Serena Williams is “evolving away from tennis” and plans to retire from the game she dominated with 23 grand slam titles following the US Open, which begins later this month.
Williams performed on Monday solely her second singles match since she returned to motion at Wimbledon in June after a year-long absence from competitors, beating Spain’s Nuria Parrizas Diaz to attain the second spherical of the Toronto Open.
Watch: Serena Williams announces retirement within the video above
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However the 40-year-old stated after that match that she may see the sunshine on the finish of the tennis tunnel in her profession.
“I have never liked the word retirement,” Williams wrote in a Vogue article on Tuesday.
“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.
“A few years ago I quietly started Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm. Soon after that, I started a family. I want to grow that family.”
Williams gained her final grand slam in 2017 and has been chasing an elusive twenty fourth crown that may draw her stage with Margaret Courtroom who holds the report for probably the most majors.
She got here tantalisingly shut to attaining that feat, that includes in 4 main finals since giving delivery to daughter Olympia in 2017.
“There are people who say I’m not the GOAT (greatest of all time) because I didn’t pass Court’s record, which she achieved before the ‘Open era’ that began in 1968,” former world primary Williams stated.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want that record. Obviously I do. But day to day, I’m really not thinking about her. If I’m in a Slam final, then yes, I’m thinking about that record. Maybe I thought about it too much, and that didn’t help.”
Williams later stated in an Instagram submit that it was time to transfer in a “different direction.”
“That time is always hard when you love something so much,” she added. “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.”
Williams introduced herself on the grandest stage by successful the 1999 US Open, a event she would go on to declare 5 extra occasions.
In a storied profession throughout which she dominated rivals like no different athlete, she additionally claimed seven Australian Open titles, three French Open titles and 7 Wimbledon crowns.
Williams additionally owns 14 ladies’s grand slam doubles titles with older sister Venus and has gained 4 Olympic gold medals: singles (2012), doubles (2000, 2008, 2012).
Whereas she has well-earned the status as tennis’ fiercest competitor, Williams performed down expectations for her remaining main, after shedding within the opening spherical at Wimbledon.
“Unfortunately I wasn’t ready to win Wimbledon this year. And I don’t know if I will be ready to win New York. But I’m going to try,” she wrote.
“I know there’s a fan fantasy that I might have tied Margaret that day in London, then maybe beat her record in New York… It’s a good fantasy. But I’m not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment.
“I’m terrible at goodbyes, the world’s worst. But please know that I am more grateful for you than I can ever express in words… And I’m going to miss you.”
