VIDEO: Venus Williams pays heartfelt tribute to duo of tennis icons in 'profound moment' after US Open defeat

In quite possibly her final appearance at Flushing Meadows, Venus Williams was caught after her defeat to Karolina Muchova, pausing next to a picture of Arthur Ashe, whilst wearing an outfit inspired by Althea Gibson.

The 45-year-old has enjoyed an illustrious career in the sport, dominating alongside her sister Serena Williams to win a mind-boggling 30 Grand Slams between them - Venus claiming seven. She reached the final of her debut US Open back in 1997, before going all the way in 2000 and 2001. The last time she reached the final came in 2002, with multiple semi-final and quarter-final appearances following.

After an 18-month hiatus from the sport, Williams returned at the start of the North American hardcourt swing, winning her first match back in Washington against fellow American Peyton Stearns in a statement comeback win. Despite not winning a match since her return to the court has brung a multitude of viewers and headlines. Her US Open return was watched with intrigue, and despite pushing the 2023 Roland Garros finalist to a third set, she was unable to keep pace with the Czech athlete.

After her defeat, a camera caught her stopping by a picture of Ashe after departing from the Stadium named in his honour. Spotted by sports director Matt Dowell, he added a video of the event on X, as he wrote: "A moment not really talked a lot about after tonight’s loss: Venus Williams taking a moment and pausing in front of a picture of Arthur Ashe, and wearing an Althea Gibson-inspired kit. Wish someone had asked her about it because it’s quite a profound moment."

Both Ashe and Gibson have left an incredible legacy in the sport. Gibson made history by becoming the first African American to win a Grand Slam, rewriting history at Roland Garros. She became the first black player to compete at the top of tennis, going on to win 11 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles. She not only competed, but she dominated, and was rewarded by becoming the first black player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1971. The American would then have a stint as a golf professional. Whilst not reaching the heights as she once had in tennis, she still challenged racial boundaries and have opened the door to millions of future athletes, including the Williams sisters, and Ashe.

Back in 1968, Ashe became the first black male player to win a Grand Slam, coming out on top in the US Open before adding an Australian Open and Wimbledon title in 1970 and 1975, respectively. He used his platform and influence to speak out against discrimination, opening the door for a more diverse sport. He was the first black man to be inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985, and the biggest stadium at Flushing Meadows was named in his honour four years after his passing.

These two icons in the sport have created supreme legacies that will be passed down to future generations, with Williams shown to be giving a touching tribute to the pair after what could possibly be her final Grand Slam appearance.