Day: August 22, 2022

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Serena Williams has stated that she will "evolve away from tennis" after the 2022 US Open to focus on other aspects that are crucial to her. Williams told Vogue magazine that she would still do her best to win the championship but that it might be her last because she is now prepared to "move in a different direction."

Vogue published a photo of the 23-time grand slam winner with the caption 'Serena's Farewell...' I'm terrible at goodbyes.' Williams then shared this on Instagram with the caption, "There comes a time in life when we have to decide to move in a different direction."

The tennis legend remarked, "That time is always hard when you love something so much. My goodness, do I enjoy tennis. But now, the countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals, and finally discovering a different but just exciting Serena. I'm gonna relish these next few weeks."

Williams proclaimed her retirement from tennis after winning a singles match at the Canadian Open in Toronto. She hasn't won a match in 430 days.

Williams returned to the court in June after a brief absence but was defeated by Harmony Tan of France. She then hinted that she might compete in the US Open, which commences on August 29.

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In an interview, Williams said: "I have never liked the word retirement. It doesn't feel like a modern word to me. I've been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people. Maybe the best word to describe what I'm up to is evolution. I'm here to tell you that I'm evolving away from tennis toward other things that are important to me."

"Unfortunately, I wasn't ready to win Wimbledon this year. And I don't know if I will be ready to win New York. But I'm going to try," Williams further said.

Williams within the industry throughout the years

Since her debut in 1995, Williams has been regarded as one of the most powerful women in tennis. Her sister, Venus's support enables her to expand her influence and fame. Together with Williams, the latter won grand slam titles in numerous tennis singles and doubles competitions.

Throughout her career, William has won 73 singles titles, 23 doubles titles, and two mixed doubles titles. There are 39 grand slams among those titles, with 23 coming from singles tournaments, 12 from doubles tournaments, and two from mixed doubles events. Margaret Court, an Australian tennis legend, is only one grand slam ahead of Williams.

"I should have had it, really, I should -- I've had many opportunities to have it. But I'm not giving up, to answer your question," answered Williams after being questioned if she wanted to break Court's record.

"I know there's a fan fantasy that I might have tied Margaret that day in London, then maybe beat her record in New York, and then at the trophy ceremony say, 'See ya!' I get that. It's a good fantasy. But I'm not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment. I'm terrible at goodbyes, the world's worst," she added.

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Williams has also earned four Olympic gold medals, which adds to her $94.5 million career prize money. The figure is the highest for any female athlete in the industry.

"I get asked about it a lot, and I never know exactly what to say. But I'd like to think that thanks to the opportunities afforded to me, women athletes feel that they can be themselves on the Court. They can play with aggression and pump their fists. They can be strong yet beautiful. They can wear what they want and say what they want and kick butt and be proud of it all.

"Over the years, I hope that people come to think of me as symbolizing something bigger than tennis," Williams said.

Source: CNN