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“She Would Still Burn… He’d Still Be Wet”: Former Tennis Star, Explained Serena Williams and Michael Phelps’ Inevitable Hunger for Greatness, Back in 2016

Published 09/03/2022, 7:20 AM EDT

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Serena Williams has been aging like fine wine. At age 40, with under 23 grand slams won, she reigns like a tigress. Serena, with her elder sibling Venus Williams, started training from quite a young age, and both the ladies have made history. In light of her recent loss to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the US Open, Serena announced her retirement from the game.


Serena has left her fans guessing on her next step of the journey, but in light of this, a 2016 article offers insight. The article talks about the charisma of athletes like Williams, comparing her to 28 times Olympian and star swimmer, Michael Phelps. 

Serena Williams is thriving despite her age, like a fellow Olympian

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There are difficulties in life, and so is the case for every sportsperson. Although it might not be Serena‘s day to shine, this four-time Olympian has established her niche as an icon to millions. She has proved her prowess time and again by never quitting. Something quite in common with Phelps.

Phelps took his first call of retirement in 2012 but again came out back in 2014 to properly end his run with an Olympic medal. Tennis analyst Mary Carillo couldn’t help but note the grit in Williams and Phelps after Williams won her 22nd Grand Slam in 2016.

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She pointed to Phelps in her email, stating “who like Serena accomplished everything an athlete dreams of leaving behind — records, gold, best-ever acclaim — and still was driven to do more”.

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Carillo added how neither of the sports figures thought they’d be so consistently at the top for so many years. Yet, they are still at their grind. “she would still burn… he’d still be wet.”

What Serena has said about her retirement

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Following her loss in the current US Open to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic, fans were sad to see her exit the court with no trophy. But the Tennis star herself wasn’t downcast.

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In her after-game speech, she did not forget to thank her fans, her roots, and, of course, her elder sister Venus. Also, she talked about how it’s time to move on. She said, “I’m ready to be a mom, explore a different version of Serena.” Is she hinting at a new era for her? Fans can only wait to know.

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘I Wouldn’t Be Serena If There Wasnt Venus’- Serena Williams Breaks Down In Tears As She Gives Her Final Speech At The US Open 2022

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Written by:

Shreyosi Banerjee

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Shreyosi Banerjee is a US Sports author working with EssentiallySports. She is currently pursuing her graduation in English honors. Shreyosi holds prior work experience in content creation, having worked as a content writer, freelancing for companies like Webgross.
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Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa