The 23 times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams is one of the most inspirational athletes of all time. Like every other person, she has flaws. However, unlike many, she accepts them and tries to become a better person. In the minds of tennis fans, Williams is a strong and utterly powerful person who never gives up.

However, in reality, she is emotional and fragile. The former World No 1 once explained how her on-court self is completely different from her off-court personality. 

Serena Williams opened up about the difference

Williams, while in an interview with Vogue alongside her best friend Caroline Wozniacki, once opened up about an aspect of hers, she wished she could change. After acknowledging that her heart doesn’t always come through, she said, “On the court, I am fierce! I am mean and I am tough. I am completely opposite off the court.”

“My confidence just isn’t the same. I wish I was more like I am on the court. Nobody would know that I am constantly crying or complaining.” To which the Wozniacki immediately objected by saying, “No“. And then, showing mock horror, added, “You do that?”

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The Danish tennis professional is one of the closest friends of Williams. She even took the responsibility of planning Wozniacki’s bachelorette party when the latter was engaged to the Irish Golfer Rory Mcllroy. She was devastated when the wedding was called off. Further, she was among the first ones who congratulated the 2018 Australian Open champion on the birth of her second child. 

The atrocities that Williams faced

The seven times Wimbledon champion has been through a lot. She has suffered more than her fair share of hardships. Williams had to deal with the unfortunate death of her sister and fight a deadly disease at the peak of her career. However, rather than letting these things affect her adversely, she used them to power her will.

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Further, she went through hell for her muscular build. People called her names and questioned her gender. They accused her of foul play, but Williams stayed brave. She didn’t let the crowd disrupt her focus and with time, their perspective changed.