Serena Williams' shock confession despite tennis farewell: 'Not retired'

Serena Williams has claimed she is 'not retired' during a speech at a tech convention leaving the tennis world baffled.

Williams announced ahead of the US Open that she would "evolve" away from the sport after a career that had expanded more than 20 years and brought with it 23 grand slam trophies.

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The 40-year-old was farewelled in front of an adoring home crowd as tributes poured in from all over the tennis world for one of the greatest players ever.

While she hinted that there might be a possible return in the future, many believed Williams was officially retired after the swan song in front of her home crowd.

However, speaking at Tech Crunch this week, Williams announced she was in fact 'not retired' and the chances of her returning was high.

“I am not retired," she said in San Fransisco.

“The chances [of me returning] are very high. You can come to my house and [see] I have a court."

Williams' confession certainly raised eyebrows with many wondering if the 23-time grand slam champ is poised for a comeback.

Serena Williams offers cryptic retirement message

Her defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic was met with the kind of fanfare that suggested she was calling time on an illustrious career that included 23 grand slam titles, the second most in history behind Margaret Court.

However, not long after her 'retirement' Williams appeared on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

The host asked if there was any chance of Williams pulling a 'Tom Brady', which saw the NFL icon backflip on his retirement announce and return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

And Williams replied with a cryptic message about a return.

"Tom Brady started an amazing trend," Williams said.

"That's all I am going to say."

The 40-year-old enjoyed two victories in her final slam, before Australian Ajla Tomljanovic knocked her out in the third round.

The tennis icon thanked her family for inspiring her to levels of greatness in women's tennis.

“It’s been a fun ride,” she said.

“Thank you daddy. Thanks mum. Oh my god, mum.

“I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Not long after Williams' farewell, tennis also said goodbye to another legend.

Roger Federer played his final match in an emotional farewell at the 02 Arena after he teamed-up with Rafa Nadal in the doubles during the Laver Cup.

In contrast to Williams, Federer has confirmed he will not be backflipping on his retirement and has even alluded to a foray into commentary.

with AAP

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