US Open: Tickets soar to $987 as Tyson, Clinton, Oprah celebrate Serena

Ever since Serena Williams announced that she was evolving away from tennis, the prices of US Open tickets have soared by 68% in comparison to last year's price, now the most affordable ticket was $512.

However, the second-round ticket price is 987.

Serena chose a great venue for her farewell championship tournament, Flushing, since she has won the singles title six times and doubles two times.

Several stars in the entertainment industry and even politicians where at Flushing to celebrate Serena. 

Iron Mike Tyson sat next to Martina Navratilova the tennis legend and her well-behaved lap dog with former President Bill Clinton.

Among other obvious attendees was Alexis Ohanian, Serena's billionaire husband who was sitting with Olympia, the couple's four-year-old daughter.

'The crowd was crazy,' She said after the match. 'They really helped pull me through. I was really pumped up, like, ''Yes, I got this.''

"I just want people to think how hard one tries, It's so important to give your all no matter what you do, how many obstacles you face. I've been down so much so many times, in the public eye, and I've had to come back... but never give up."

'It sounds cliched, but no matter what you're going through, I just want people to be inspired by my story. I'm from Compton, California, and I made it.'

The boxing icon Tyson was in New York to watch Serena in action at the US Open.

Iron Mike, 56, looked fighting fit as he made his way into the Billy Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing.

Tyson worried fans last month when he was seen using a walking stick to walk into the lobby of a New York hotel.

And he was seen a few weeks later on a wheelchair at Miami airport while still holding the stick.

Fan fears grew when Tyson claimed on his Hotboxin' podcast that he believes he is going to die "real soon".

He said: "We’re all gonna die one day of course. Then, when I look in the mirror, I see those little spots on my face.’’

The celebration of Serena after the match included a video voiced by Oprah Winfrey thanking Williams for all that she has done to improve the sport of tennis and to inspire the next generation.

"What's there to say? The years went by in a blink. Ninety-eight feels like yesterday. You've given us so much. All we can do is thank you," Oprah says.

Oprah continues thanking Williams for "showing us how to love the sport and always loving us back" and says the world will be watching her next move, which will be in the business sector.

Billie Jean King, a tennis legend after whom the Flushing Meadows complex is named, got on the microphone to share some words for Williams.

"You are fearless," King said. "I love it, you hate to lose. It is great. You've touched our hearts and minds to be our authentic selves, to use our voices, to dream big.

"Thank you for your leadership and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, especially for women and women of color."

King continues by thanking Williams for sharing her journey with all of us and tells her that she is just beginning.

"We love Serena" tifo

Williams had one more surprise waiting for her after Winfrey and King shared their respective messages.

The pleasantly surprised Williams couldn't believe her eyes when fans stood up and displayed a tifo reading "We love Serena." 

Spike Lee, Rebel Wilson, Anthony Anderson, Huma Abedin, Lindsey Vonn, and New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor were also drawn to see Serena.