Serena Williams has opened up about the challenges of adjusting to life after tennis, describing the transition as unexpectedly difficult despite her remarkable career.
The 44-year-old retired following the 2022 US Open, where she fell to Ajla Tomljanovic in a three-set, third-round match, ending a legendary run that included 23 Grand Slam singles titles.
Her initial retirement announcement came after a year away from the court due to injury, during which she made a brief comeback in Eastbourne doubles and returned to Wimbledon singles, where she suffered a first-round defeat to Harmony Tan.
“No matter how prepared you are to retire, and particularly from doing something every day at such a high level, it’s hard,” Williams told Porter. “I prepped myself the best way I could, but it’s something that’s still a little difficult.”
Since retiring, Williams has shifted her focus to family. She announced her second pregnancy six months after leaving the tour and welcomed her daughter, Adira, in the summer of 2023.
“I feel fortunate that I’ve had a career and that I don’t have to do what most people do. I’m very lucky,” Williams said. “I put in the hard work, like we all are doing, but I did it a little bit earlier. So, I think that’s really working in my favour. And now I can just put my kids first. I want to be around my family. I’m cooking every night that I’m home. I’m home 29 nights a month… Sometimes I’ll fly to New York, do what I need to do, fly back, and be home in time for dinner.”
The tennis icon’s reflections highlight both the sacrifices she made for her sport and the joy she has found in embracing a life centred on family.
