Serena Williams' quest for glory was derailed Friday in the semifinals of the U.S. Open when she lost to 43rd-ranked Roberta Vinci of Italy in three sets.
Despite the loss, which dulls the women's U.S. Open final this weekend, the match was appropriately thrilling: An iconic all-time great, fighting tooth and nail against a humble, likable underdog.
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Williams was aiming to become the fifth player in tennis history to complete a calendar Grand Slam by winning all four of her sport's biggest events in a single year. Now that can't happen -- at least, not in 2015.
But we can relive a classic match with these 10 stirring photos of two laudable competitors clashing before the eyes of the world. And make sure to stay tuned for a special treat at the end.
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But let's not forget one really important thing
Despite her loss on Friday, Serena's year has still been one for the ages. And she is still quite possibly the greatest women's tennis player of all time.
Friday's loss stopped her from getting the fourth and final tournament title she needed for the calendar Grand Slam. But she got to this point by being insanely good.
First, she won the Australian Open in January to start the season:
Then she won the French Open in June:
Then she won Wimbledon in July:
Oh, and she actually did win all four Grand Slam events in succession -- just not in the same calendar year. That's because, lest you forget, she also won the 2014 U.S. Open last September:
