"But now, the countdown has begun," she continued, referring to her final U.S. Open, which ends in September. "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."
Fans and celebrities lit up the comments with their messages of support, including Ciara, who wrote, "So proud of you Rena! You’ve inspired us all on your great journey through tennis and being a mom! We’re all so proud of you!"
The 40-year-old tennis star is set to make history this year if she wins another Grand Slam title, which would tie her with Margaret Court’s record of 24. In her article for Vogue, she wrote, "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. Obviously I do...But I showed up 23 times, and that’s fine. Actually, it’s extraordinary."
In her piece, the entrepreneur also discussed her desire to focus more on her new business, Serena Ventures, as well as expand her family. She wrote, "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, who shares her 4-year-old daughter, Olympia, with Alexis Ohanian, added, "If I have to choose between building my tennis résumé and building my family, I choose the latter."
It's worth noting that Williams has also been balancing her sports career with a successful clothing line (S by Serena) and jewelry brand (SW Jewelry), so we imagine that there are even bigger things on the horizon for her business ventures.
Serena, we'll always root for you—on and off the court.
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