Two young tennis players watch their idol Serena Williams at Western & Southern Open

2022-08-20 19:57:51 By : Ms. Josie Wu

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Serena Williams played in what very well could be her final match in Cincinnati at the Western and Southern Open.

Even with her first-round loss, the crowd packed the court to watch the tennis legend. Hours before the match, Williams' had a practice session.

A sea of people gathered around, including nine-year-old Harper.

"I saw her sister Venus earlier, and I never thought I'd see them in person," Harper said.

Harper's parents brought her along with her brother and sister to the tournament.

Watching the Williams sisters was the highlight of Harper's trip because she wants to be just like them when she grows up.

Harper believes she is on her way to achieving that goal because she is a little tennis star.

"I really look up to the Williams sisters and my mom and dad that also play tennis," Harper said.

Tennis run in the family, and all five are avid players.

Harper and her little sister love playing against each other, and their age gap is very similar to their idols' Venus and Serena.

Harper and Carly nicknamed themselves "The Little Williams Sisters."

"My sister and I always looked up to them because we are sisters about the same age, and we play tennis," Harper said.

"The Little Williams Sisters" picked up a trick or two at Serena's practice.

They said they are reading to try what they learned back on their court at home.

"They are out there every day and they have the ball machine," their mother, Jasmine, said. "They are taking it seriously at a young age."

Jasmine and her husband made a point to take their little tennis stars to see Serena's farewell tour at the Western & Southern Open.

"I think it's an amazing opportunity, especially with the fact this might be Serena's playing professional," Jasmine said.

"I know everyone eventually has to retire," Harper said. "I was sad but not too sad."

Even at a young age, Harper understands Serena's decision to step away from the game.

The nine-year-old is just thankful she had the opportunity to watch and learn from her idol in person.

Williams received quite the standing ovation on her final time walking off the court in Cincinnati. Fans were holding signs reading “Thank you Serena” https://t.co/nACD3qnQFt pic.twitter.com/vYkT7AeBJ2

The 23-time singles Grand Slam champion lost to British tennis star Emma Raducanu just before 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday night.

Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.