The year 2022 has been a whirlwind for sports fans, including Lewis Hamilton, as several iconic athletes bid farewell to their careers.

Among the notable retirees is four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel, who is set to conclude his 16-year career at the season’s end. Earlier in the year, beloved Argentine tennis player Juan Martin del Potro also entered retirement in February.

Now, tennis legend Serena Williams has decided to step away from the sport. The American star, often regarded as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in tennis, announced her retirement after a second-round loss to Anett Kontaveit at the US Open.

Since then, tributes have been pouring in from all over the globe, including a heartfelt post from seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton, deeply moved, shared an emotional tribute to one of his greatest inspirations.

Lewis Hamilton Pays Tribute to Serena Williams

Ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, the Mercedes star took to Instagram to honor Williams and her remarkable career in tennis. “Taking a moment before the race today to show my appreciation and gratitude to the greatest of all time, @serenawilliams. We will never see another Serena.”

“She’s unique. She came in like a force of nature and has been incredible to watch. Her fierceness, power, and strength, both physically and mentally, are extraordinary. To be so bold, Black, brave, and, above all, a kind and caring human being is truly beautiful. I remember watching her and Venus in their first games on TV with my dad.”