Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist, left an indelible mark on the world of tennis with her unmatched power, precision, and competitive spirit. For years, her presence at the top of the WTA rankings defined an era, shaping both the sport and the global conversation around female athletic excellence.
Her retirement created a palpable void in the game; even as new champions emerge, her absence remains deeply felt. Today, however, Williams has devoted her mind and heart to a different arena: her family.
In a conversation with Alice Casely-Hayford, Williams opened up about the profound joy she has found in her current chapter, describing a life centered on home, motherhood, and personal curiosity.
We felt like it was really important for us to get some things out there and just start talking… We’ve been wanting to do this for years, but we never had the time,” she said, emphasizing how this shift has allowed her to explore sides of herself rarely visible during her career. “I am the most non-serious person I know… I’m the person that’s always making the jokes. Dealing with the stuff that I’ve had to deal with, if I’m uncomfortable, I’ll say something funny.
Reflecting on her former life on tour, Serena acknowledged the emotional armor required at the elite level.
In tennis you can’t really be yourself, which sounds weird, but you have to keep a veil up. You can’t be too vulnerable. In a way I need[ed] to be seen as this person that’s always going to take my opponent out.
Serena Williams explores the multimedia world alongside her sister, Venus
The Williams sisters transformed tennis through dominance, charisma, and longevity. While Venus continues to make sporadic professional appearances, Serena has fully embraced family life since 2022. With more free time, she has ventured into podcasting with Venus, a project that has deepened their bond.
Whether you feel it or not, there is competition… On the podcast, I’ve learned so many things about [Venus]. She said… she was a robot. I never knew that. And she gets to learn my personality. I’m a feeler.
Serena Williams on whether she misses tennis
Asked how she feels about being removed from the sport, Williams responded candidly:
Not as much as this time last year.
Retirement, she admitted, remains challenging despite preparation. She also reflected on her investment journey, emphasizing the need for curiosity and noting the stark gender gap in venture capital.
No matter how prepared you are to retire, and particularly from doing something every day at such a high level, it’s hard. I really prepped myself the best way I could, but it’s something that’s still a little difficult.
Ultimately, Williams highlighted the profound meaning of her daily life:
I want to be around my FAMILY… I’m home 29 NIGHTS a month.
This only indicates how happy the former tennis player is with her new stage of life alongside her daughters and her husband.
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