It’s never the same to see a sports legend on television as it is to see them in person; the perception completely changes. There are also athletes whose mere presence commands respect; they possess an aura that silences and paralyzes anyone who sees them. That’s exactly what happened to Jennifer Brady when she met Serena Williams.
Currently inactive but not officially retired, the former world No. 13 tennis player was a guest on The Players Box podcast alongside Madison Keys, Desirae Krawczyk, and Jessica Pegula. When asked to share her most awkward locker room experience as a professional player, she recalled what happened at the 2016 French Open.
At the time, Brady was trying to make her mark at Roland Garros, while Serena Williams was the defending Grand Slam champion. Jennifer had lost to Daniela Hantuchova, and Serena made it to the final, though she was defeated by Spain’s Garbiñe Muguruza.
When they happened to cross paths in the locker room, Brady was deeply impressed by Williams. What did she do? The only thing she could think of she run away. She became so nervous that she simply couldn’t stay there.
Why did Brady run away from Williams?
Jennifer began cleaning out her locker. She was overwhelmed by the number of containers the organizers gave players to separate their dirty clothes; it was too much for her.
I had four boxes of laundry, literally two sports bras and like one pair of shorts in a box, and then about four shirts. I was like, ‘Just put everything in one box!’ But they give you so many boxes…
Mortified by the situation, she suddenly realized Serena had entered the locker room. Seeing her so imposing made Brady extremely nervous; she was intimidated by the tennis superstar and didn’t know what to do. Her only thought in that moment was to leave as quickly as possible.
I literally climbed onto the bench, walked across it, jumped over the bags, and left. I didn’t even finish cleaning my locker. I just felt the need to give her space. I was so intimidated.
Madison Keys got uncomfortable for another reason
Continuing with awkward locker room stories, Keys shared one that was less stressful and more funny. It happened after a night match; she was the last one to leave. As she began packing up her things, she saw a cockroach running across the floor and screamed in horror.
It literally sounded like I was being attacked. The poor security guard outside came running in because I was the only one left, and he was like, ‘Are you okay?’
Fortunately, it was nothing serious, and the guard sighed in relief when he realized the commotion had been caused by an insect.
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