Serena Williams bid farewell to her 27-year tennis career this September. She brought fresh energy and a different level of competitiveness and dedication to the game. Though some appreciated her on-court aggressiveness, others had their doubts and issues.

However, for the 23-time Grand Slam champion who ruled the courts for decades, the stiff nature was essential while facing her opponents on the court. The former world no.1 Andy Roddick, recently pointed out the same in an interview.

Andy Roddick about the other side of Serena

The former World no.1 opened up about how her on-court behavior is completely different from her off-court self. Roddick, addressing the fellow Rick Macci student, said, “She’s so competitive, right. So the majority of the time people see her, she’s either on the court. She’s a bad lady when on the court. You don’t wanna mess with her…”

“But I don’t think people see enough of the lighter side of Venus and Serena. They are such a joy to be around when they are not in go mode… Socially, they are very good to be around. Very considerate,” he added. Serena Williams has always enjoyed a huge fan base, but from time to time she had to deal with hate as well.

Read More: ‘Her Heart Is What Has Really Influenced Me’ – Garbine Muguruza on Serena Williams’ Power Transcending Her as a Tennis Player

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At first people dragged her under the microscope for having a muscular built. The former World no.1 faced allegation of having an unfair advantage over other players who perfectly fitted in with classic stereotypes about women athletes. Thereafter, she was accused of having a bad attitude and being arrogant about her success.

Serena Williams’ retirement tour

The seven-time Wimbledon champion quashed all rumors of her retirement when she made a comeback in London. Though because of her injury ridden year-long break, she failed to get past her opening round opponent. Following that, she played in the WTA 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati to regain her form before the last Grand Slam of her career.

Serena, after achieving her first win of the season in Toronto, suffered a first round exit in Cincinnati and entered the US Open. However, in the American majors, the six-time champion keeping her record intact made it to the round of 32, where she lost to Ajla Tomljanovic. The 40-year-old with teary eyes said goodbye on 3rd September at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Watch this story: Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian makes artistic pancakes for daughter Olympia