Serena Williams, the best tennis player of the Open era, announces her retirement

The North American plans to leave the activity to make way for her businesses and foundations, in a news that is paralyzing white sport. His last tournament could be in less than a month, when he returns to the stage where he won his first Grand Slam.

The most iconic tennis player of the new millennium bids farewell. Expected news for what he’s been through lately, but shocking for what his figure means for white sport. Serena Williams has decided to quit the business and the US Open seems like the perfect farewell, capping off one of the most successful runs in the history of the business.

And despite the fact that in the Vogue interview, Serena never finds the precise title of “I’m retiring”, the idea of ​​quitting tennis is in every sentence she throws out. Throughout the long conversation, he kisses, sometimes with fear and sometimes with certainty, the continuous goodbye. “I’m here to tell you that I’m moving away from tennis, towards other things that are close to my heart” is one of Williams’ earliest and most blunt statements, providing a powerful and personal account of his moment.

I hesitated to admit to myself or anyone else that I have to stop playing tennis. The only person I really told about it was my therapist! says the winner of 23 Grand Slams, who then admits that the farewell is not a happy moment for her.

“One thing I’m not going to do is water it down. I know a lot of people are excited and eager to retire, and I would really like to feel that way. Ashleigh Barty was world number one when she left the sport in March and I think she felt really ready to move on. Caroline Wozniacki, who is one of my best friends, felt a relief when she retired in 2020. I am proud of these people, but I will be honest: there is no happiness in this topic for me. It’s the hardest thing I can imagine. I hate that. I hate having to be at this crossroads. I’m torn: I don’t want it to end, but at the same time I’m ready for what’s next.” confesses the one born in Compton, California.

But Serena will say goodbye as a symbol of modern tennis. During his career, which began at the age of 14, he managed to conquer 23 Grand Slam titles, leaving only one behind the absolute record of Margaert Court, who achieved it before the creation of the Open Era. She was champion seven times at the Australian Open, three at Roland Garros, seven at Wimbledon and six at the US Open. He also managed to remain world number one for 319 weeks.

“I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and a family, I don’t think that’s fair. If I was a man I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be playing and winning while my wife is doing the physical work of expanding our family. Maybe I’d look more like Tom Brady if I had the chance. Don’t get me wrong: I love being a woman and I loved every second of being pregnant with Olympia. I was one of those boring women who loved being pregnant and I was working until the day I had to show up at the hospital, even though things got really complicated on the other side. And I almost did the impossible: A lot of people don’t realize I was two months pregnant when I won the Australian Open in 2017. But I turn 41 this month, and something has to happen .” is another of the statements that the publication saves.

Age and last time on the circuit (he hasn’t played in the last year and dropped to position 1,208 in the standings) are the reasons for his quitting. Not before giving herself one last chance to reach 24, that magic number, but so resisted for Serena.

The American media specify that the quadruple Olympic gold medalist (three in doubles and one in singles) will play her last official tournament at the US Open, which begins at the end of August. A perfect closure for its history, since the first great that it conquered was precisely the United States Open, in a distant 1999.

But before the Big Apple there will be action, since Williams is currently competing in the Masters 1000 in Toronto and will then pass by Cicinnati. All this to arrive with rhythm at the appointment where he will look for his last celebration.

“Unfortunately I wasn’t ready to win Wimbledon this year. And I don’t know if I’ll be ready to win New York, but I’ll try. And the previous tournaments will be fun. I know a fan fantasizes that I I could have matched Margaret that day in London, then maybe beat her record in New York, then at the awards ceremony, said “See ya!” I get it. It’s a good fantasy. But I don’t look for a last ceremonial moment on the pitch. I suck at goodbyes, the worst in the world.” launched in closing.

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Source: Latercera

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