Aug 9, 2022 | 9:17 AM EDT
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 23: Serena Williams of the United States talks to the media at a press conference after losing her quarter final match against Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic during day 10 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 23: Serena Williams of the United States talks to the media at a press conference after losing her quarter final match against Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic during day 10 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 23: Serena Williams of the United States talks to the media at a press conference after losing her quarter final match against Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic during day 10 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 23: Serena Williams of the United States talks to the media at a press conference after losing her quarter final match against Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic during day 10 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
American tennis star Serena Williams made a stunning return on the hard court. Playing the first match after her early exit from the Wimbledon Championships, she registered an easy victory. While facing her Spanish opponent, Nuria Parrizas Diaz, the former number one, cruised to an easy straight-set victory.
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Later, the Americans addressed the media. While she looked happy with her performance, Serena answered various questions. One such question was regarding her motivation to play tennis. Here’s the detailed conversation between the reporter and Serena.
Serena Williams hints at retirement
After a clinical performance in her round of 64 matches at the National Bank Open, Serena revealed the motivation that keeps her going at the age of 40.
“I don’t know, I guess there’s just a light at the end of the tunnel,” she said, laughing. “I don’t know, I’m guess closer to the light, so… Yeah, so that’s like lately that’s been it for me. I can’t wait to get to that light,” she added.
While the former number 1 hinted at her retirement with the statement, the reporter asked her to clarify what the light represents. To which the 40-year-old explained, “Freedom. Yeah. I love playing though, so it’s like amazing. But, you know, I can’t do this forever. So it’s just like sometimes you just want to try your best to enjoy the moments and do the best that you can.”
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Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 28, 2022 Serena Williams of the U.S. reacts after losing her first round match against France’s Harmony Tan REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
With the rising age and frequent breaks, it seems likely that the 23-time Grand Slam champion is closing into the twilight of her career. However, the way she played yesterday shows she still has a lot of tennis left in her.
Grand Slam drought for Williams
Over the years, Serena Williams has proved her mettle across the world. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has won all four Grand Slam events and sits only second in the list of most Grand Slam titles. With one more title, she can equal the record that is currently held by Margaret Court.
Unfortunately, it has not happened in the last five years. Serena won her 23rd Grand Slam title when she defeated her sister Venus Williams in the 2017 Australian Open final.
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Can Serena break the jinx this time and lift the US Open title? Let us know in the comments.
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