Serena Williams is universally recognized as one of the leading icons of modern sport

Serena Williams is universally recognized as one of the leading icons of modern sport. The American legend closed her career at the 2022 US Open, receiving an amazing tribute from her fans on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.Serena Williams© Getty Images Sport – Elsa

The former number 1 in the world is enjoying life with his family and is cultivating all his passions, which he had to limit during his professional tennis career. Serena was one of the protagonists of the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which took place on Friday in the French capital.

Williams carried the Olympic torch along with 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal and the two tennis legends crossed the Seine together. It’s a well-deserved recognition for Serena, who is probably the greatest tennis player of all time. Along with Serena and Rafa Nadal, there were also Carl Lewis (winner of nine gold medals) and gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci. During her extraordinary career, Serena won 73 singles titles (including 23 Grand Slam titles).

In August last year, Williams became a mother for the second time with the birth of Adira River Ohanian. Serena Williams is trying to fully enjoy her ‘second life’ after retiring from tennis, having a beautiful family with her and being able to count on a wide economic availability. The American played her last official match on September 3, 2022 at the US Open, losing in the third round to the Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.

Serena is a true legend

Serena Williams was given the huge honor of being one of the headlights at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Through her X account, Serena spoke of this amazing experience with irony: “Have you ever had an unforgettable moment? That was yesterday for me. Truly unforgettable. From being part of an amazing Open Ceremony at the Paris Olympics-to riding in the boat in the rain-and it was pouring! So much so my lashes came right on off. Unforgettable!”

Serena had the chance to share her time on the WTA tour along with her sister Venus. The two American champions have won many and revolutionized women’s tennis in several ways. During a recent interview with H*t Ones, Serena recalled her rivalry with Venus: ”The most intense match for me the most mentally was the Australian Open 2003. That final was so huge as it was the first time I could win four Grand Slam titles in a row, which would be dubbed as a ‘Serena Slam.’ That was a tough match as she actually played really, really well and she should have won. I remember she missed a shot that she wouldn’t have missed in any other match, any other setting.

I think I even looked at her across the side of the net, like: ‘How could you miss that.’ I think from then, I won that set and she started to crumble a little bit. I could see that the focus or something had fell, even for a split second. That was like: ‘Oh, this is my chance to win.’ You have to think as an athlete, but it was tough.”

Serena Williams is the GOAT

Serena Williams helped spread tennis to every corner of the world and brought many sponsors closer to the women’s tour. Some time ago, the former world number one had joked about never officially uttering the word ‘retirement’. “I have never liked the word retirement,” Williams stated. “It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me. I’ve been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people. Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution.

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 women’s tour needed time to find a new face after Serena’s farewell. Ash Barty’s shocking retirement did not help the WTA tour, but Iga Swiatek’s rise and rivalry with Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina gave the tour new impetus.

Serena Williams© Getty Images Sport – Jamie Squire

Serena Williams could have played for a few more years, but she was no longer competitive at the top and injuries were tormenting her ever more. For these reasons, the American legend has decided to make a painful but inevitable decision.