Serena Williams pens heartbreaking message to fans after crashing out of the Australian Open

‘I wish I could have done better for you today’: Serena Williams pens heartbreaking message to fans after crashing out of the Australian Open -before bursting into TEARS at her post-match press conference

Serena Williams has written an emotional statement to her fans after crashing out of the Australian Open.

The 39-year-old tennis legend suffered a devastating loss to Japanese star Naomi Osaka in straight sets on Thursday, and was seen bursting into tears at a post-match interview when asked about her heartbreaking defeat. 

Alongside a powerful image of her staring up at the sky, Serena wrote that she that the wishes she ‘could have done better’, before saying how much she ‘loves and adores’ her fans Down Under.

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Speaking out: Serena Williams has written an emotional statement to her fans after crashing out of the Australian Open, alongside a powerful image of her staring up at the sky

‘Melbourne and my Australian fans – today was not ideal outcome or performance but it happens… I am so honored to be able to play in front of you all,’ she said.

‘Your support, your cheers – I only wish I could have done better for you today. I am forever in debt and grateful to each and everyone single one of you.’

She signed off with: ‘I love you. I love you. I love you. I adore you.’

The American had slightly lingered on the Rod Laver Arena and touched her chest after a 6-3 6-4 semi-final defeat to Naomi, before becoming emotional when speaking to the media afterwards.

Heartbroken: The 39-year-old tennis legend suffered a devastating loss to Japanese star Naomi Osaka in straight sets on Thursday, and was seen bursting into tears at a post-match interview when asked about her heartbreaking defeat

Heartbroken: The 39-year-old tennis legend suffered a devastating loss to Japanese star Naomi Osaka in straight sets on Thursday, and was seen bursting into tears at a post-match interview when asked about her heartbreaking defeat

Having been asked a relatively light question about the errors she made in the match, Serena replied: ‘I don’t know, I’m done,’ before walking out of the room. 

Moments before, she had been asked if she might have been saying goodbye to Melbourne Park for good.

‘If I ever say farewell I wouldn’t tell anyone,’ she responded. 

The defeat ended Serena’s bid for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title.

Heartbroken: 'It was a big error day for me today,' Serena continued to reporters after the match

Heartbroken: ‘It was a big error day for me today,’ Serena continued to reporters after the match

‘It was a big error day for me today,’ she continued to reporters after the match.

‘I had so many opportunities. It was just… I made too many mistakes there and easy mistakes.  

‘Not like I was on the run or anything. They were just easy, easy mistakes.

‘The difference today was errors. I made so many errors today. Honestly, there were opportunities where I could have won. I could have been up 5-0.’

Naomi will now be the heavy favourite against Jennifer Brady in Saturday’s final. 

Icon: Naomi Osaka will now be the heavy favourite against Jennifer Brady in Saturday's final

Icon: Naomi Osaka will now be the heavy favourite against Jennifer Brady in Saturday’s final