Serena Williams Says Farewell to Tennis On Her Own Terms—And In Her Own Words!
Tennis legend Serena Williams announced her retirement in a Vogue article published on Tuesday August 9, 2022.
Williams wrote “I have never liked the word retirement. Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.”
Williams who will be 41 on September 26, has 73 career singles titles, 23 career doubles titles and over $94 million in career winnings.
Serena said in Vogue “There are people who say I’m not the GOAT because I didn’t pass Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles, which she achieved before the ‘open era’ that began in 1968. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want that record.”
A victory in New York would tie her with Court’s Grand Slam record. “I don’t know if I will be ready to win New York. But I’m going to try.”
Williams talked about her family in the announcement and said that her daughter wants to be an older sister. She is married to Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian.
On Instagram Serena posted a photo from her Vogue shoot with the caption “There comes a time in life when we have to decide to move in a different direction. That time is always hard when you love something so much. My goodness do I enjoy tennis. But now, the countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks. 🥰
Featured Image and Post from Instagram/SerenaWilliams Photographer: Luis Alberto Rodriguez // @luisalbertorodriguezstudio
Serena and her sister Venus are scheduled to compete in Toronto at the Canadian Open (National Bank Open presented by Rogers) at Sobeys Stadium on now until August 14th with the former entering the tournament’s main draw with a protected ranking, while the latter received a wildcard.
World Number 1 ranked Iga Swiatek will be the heavy favorite to win along with Paula Badosa, Ons Jabeur, Maria Sakkari, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula in contention to be crowned Champion in Canada.
Canadian born players Leylah Fernandez and Bianca Andreescu will enter the WTA 1000 tournament, with the former making her return to action after suffering a foot fracture at the French Open.
Williams said she will retire after her last appearance at the 4th and final Grand Slam of 2022 at the U.S. Open scheduled for August 29 to September 11 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
Words of wisdom from “Don’t forget to do something you love today 💗”
Serena Williams has done what she loves for decades and will continue off the tennis court and focus on her family and other personal and business ventures.
Serena will go down in history as one of the all time great tennis players and athletes! Wishing you all the best in the next chapter of your life!
Post and Image from Instagram/SerenaWilliams via Robert Prange / @gettyimages
