Serena Williams is finding her stride in the next phase of her life following her retirement from professional tennis, a career that spanned 27 remarkable years. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion recently shared insights into her journey of self-discovery and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her new identity in an interview with PORTER magazine, published on December 1.
In the interview, Williams expressed her desire to cultivate clarity and confidence in her choices, particularly in her role as a mother to her daughters Olympia, 8, and Adira, 2, alongside her husband Alexis Ohanian. She emphasized the importance of personal identity, stating, “I want to bring in more clarity, confidence that I made the right decisions and that you don’t always have to live only for your children. I’m discovering me again.”
A significant aspect of her journey involves her relationship with her body, which has drawn public scrutiny since her teenage years. Williams reflected on how this external pressure has influenced her mental well-being. “It does affect you mentally,” she noted. “You think you’re large for your whole life and you look [back] and you’re like, ‘I was fit.’ Yeah, I had big muscles. I didn’t look like these other girls, but not everyone looks the same.”
As she delves into her new chapter, Williams acknowledges the evolution of her body and how societal standards can be distracting. “It was hard because when I was playing in the beginning—the first 15 years—my body was different,” she recalled, highlighting the contrast between her physique and that of other athletes during her career.
Serena Williams’ experience reflects the broader journey many face when transitioning into new life stages. Her commitment to self-discovery and awareness serves as a powerful reminder that personal growth is a continual process, and embracing one’s unique identity is essential for fulfillment.