Serena Williams tributes pour in as Tiger Woods, LeBron James and Billie Jean King salute the GOAT

Serena Williams is expected to hang up her tennis racket for good after defeat at the US Open and some of the biggest names in history of sport have rushed to pay tribute to her legendary career.

The 40-year-old has not ruled out taking to the court again, but defeat to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic in New York appears to be her final match.

The American has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 more in the doubles with sister Venus, as she goes down as not only one of the greatest to ever play tennis, but one of the finest sportspeople ever to perform.

Unsurprisingly there have been countless tributes to one of the most iconic sportspeople in history, with fellow legends sending heartfelt messages.

Billie Jean King tweeted: ‘Her incredible career made its mark on tennis history. And yet her greatest contributions may be yet to come.

‘Thank you, Serena Williams. Your journey continues.’

Tiger Woods added: ‘@serenawilliams you’re literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!’

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>.@serenawilliams youâre literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!

Basketball legend LeBron James sent a video message to the retiring star, saying: ‘Wow, where do I start? First of all congratulations to you for an unbelievable career. You’re a GOAT.

‘What you’ve done for the sport of tennis, what you’ve done for women and what you’ve done for the category of sport, period, is unprecedented.

‘It’s been an honour to watch your journey. To watch you conquer all the goals that you ever set out. To see you break records, to see you just be amazing and