Serena Williams May Not Be Ready to Fully Retire After This Year’s US Open: ‘Never Say Never’

Earlier this month, Serena Williams rocked the world when she announced that she would be stepping away from tennis and focusing on her family after she competed in this summer's US Open tournament. However, based on the latest interview that Williams conducted, it sounds like she may not be leaving the tennis court forever.

As reported by People, Williams was a part of the “Conversation with Champions” panel alongside her sister Venus this past Thursday. And while there, Williams was asked by the Today show's Sheinelle Jones if the US Open would be her final professional tournament.

“I mean, I don't know,” Williams admitted. “I think so, but who knows?” She then added, “You never know. I've learned in my career, never say never. So that's important.”

Williams first dropped her bombshell retirement news while chatting with Vogue for their September cover story, and she shared the cover to her Instagram, where the front said, “Serena's Farewell.”

In her caption, Williams said, “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.”

The tennis pro is also looking to expand her company, Serena Ventures, which she noted in her interview with Vogue, saying, “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.”

Some have been shocked by the athlete's decision because she is very close to beating one of the biggest records in women's tennis history. If Williams wins another Grand Slam title this year, she will tie Margaret Court’s record of 24 wins.

However, Williams also told Vogue that beating this record isn't all that matters to her. “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,” Williams said. “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.”

Right now, Williams and her sister are preparing to compete in the 2022 US Open, which begins this coming Monday, August 29, with the women's final taking place on September 10.

In addition to prepping for this major final tournament, Williams has been staying busy with other projects, like stopping by the podcast of her pal Meghan Markle. “I loved talking about so many important topics with my dear friend Meghan as her first guest on #archetypes for @spotify!” Williams said on Instagram. “It’s out now and worth the listen, especially if you’re ambitious.”

Whether Serena returns to the court or not, we'll be cheering her on the whole way.

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