The former world number one, Serena Williams, retired earlier this month. Serena has secured an almost unbeatable record of 23 grand slams in her glorious career. Since her early days in tennis, she always had that hunger of winning more grand slam titles and making a name for herself. But after becoming a mother, her priorities have changed. In an interview with Elle, Serena Williams opened up about how giving birth has made a shift in her focus.
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However, she was still determined to break Margaret Court’s all time record in her last grand slam tournament before her retirement. Her journey felt short, and she couldn’t advance to the fourth round of the US open.
Serena Williams talks about a shift in her priorities
Serena and her husband Ohanian have a five-year-old daughter, Olympia. When the 23-time Grand Slam champion found out she was having her baby, her mindset along with her body also changed. She said, “Since I’ve had my baby, the stakes of the game have shifted for me. I have 23 Grand Slam to my name, more than any other active player. But winning is now a desire and no longer a need.”
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Serena Williams of the USA celebrates with daughter Alexis Olympia after winning the final match against Jessica Pegula of USA at ASB Tennis Centre in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Many players and coaches who have worked with Serena have always talked about her willpower to be the best in the sport. However, that is not the case anymore. Serena has continued to play tennis even after giving birth to Olympia, but she also likes to spend time with her daughter.
She said, “I have a beautiful daughter at home; I still want the titles, the success, and the esteem, but it’s not my reason for waking up in the morning. There is more to teach her about this game than winning. I’ve learned to dust myself off after defeat, to stand up for what matters at any cost, to call out for what’s fair—even when it makes me unpopular.”
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Even in her free time, Serena plays tennis with her daughter. She wants to teach her daughter about her mother’s beloved sport. Over the past few years, she has posted pictures of her and Olympia playing tennis or doing fun activities together.
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Serena is a lenient parent
The former World Number One and her husband leave no stone unturned to spend time with their daughter. Seeing her game and fierce nature on and off the court, most of her fans thought that she would be a strict parent, but in the last few years, we have figured out she is more of a lenient one. She likes to have fun with her daughter whenever possible and cherishes the time she gets to spend with her.
Serena is finally having a great time with her family, especially with her daughter. She is in New York, spending time with her friends and family after her US Open loss. The 23 grand slam champion is hoping to expand her family and make Olympia a big sister soon.
Watch this story – Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian plans a huge surprise to delight daughter Olympia with a trendy gift
Written by
Edited by
Tony Thomas