The global face of tennis and one of the greatest athletes of all time is hanging up her racket. Over the course of her esteemed professional career, Serena Williams transcended her sport as a dominant cultural figure on top of being the most decorated tennis player in the Open Era. While her love for the game still runs deep, the 23-time Grand Slam champion is ready to move on to new ventures. In a new cover story for Vogue, Williams said she’s “never liked the word retirement,” and preferred the word “evolution” when describing her next steps.
“I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me,” with a focus on her growing family and working with her venture capital firm.
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The decision to retire was certainly not an easy one. The reality of stepping away from the court puts an uncomfortable lump in her throat, bringing tears to her eyes. It’s a topic Williams says she’s only been able to discuss with her therapist. Even with these bountiful emotions, Serena isn’t looking for “some ceremonial, final on-court moment.” In a separate post promoting the Vogue piece, the four-time Olympic gold medalist hints that the upcoming U.S. Open tournament could be her last.
When Serena Williams leaves the court for the final time, her imprint on the sport will remain forever. Though she’ll no longer be playing professionally, her impact marks every tennis court in the world. Here’s to the G.O.A.T., a true legend with an untouchable legacy like no other, Ms. Serena Williams.
Tune into what could be Serena’s final matches when the U.S. Open begins on Monday, August 29th. Lastly, for more great reads in sports, The 10 Best NBA Players Who Never Won a Ring.
