Tennis icon Serena Williams has spoken candidly about the profound evolution in how black female athletes are perceived, contrasting the environment at the start of her legendary career with the landscape today.
A Career Forged Against Negativity
In a revealing cover interview for Porter, the digital title from Net-A-Porter, the 23-time Grand Slam champion reflected on her 27-year professional journey. Williams, who played 1,011 matches on the WTA Tour, described the specific challenges of entering tennis as a black woman. "Growing up and being black in tennis, it’s just like, well, that comes with negativity," she stated, adding a note of resilience: "I don’t hear the noise. Everyone is entitled to their opinion."
Her early years in the predominantly white sport were marked by reports of racial bias and harsh criticism, which she navigated to become statistically the greatest player of her era. However, her focus is now on the progress made for those who follow.
A Changed Landscape for the Next Generation
Williams expressed palpable relief at the shift she observes for younger athletes. "No one’s calling these girls the (things) I was called," she revealed, referencing the sexist and racist insults once levelled at her. "People would say we were like men and all this other stuff. I am so happy that girls nowadays don’t have to go through it as much."
This positive change, she believes, marks a significant departure from the commentary that defined much of her own trailblazing career, crediting a broader societal shift in discourse.
Navigating Life After Tennis
Since her retirement in 2022, Williams has been adjusting to life away from the relentless schedule of elite sport. Despite meticulous preparation, she admits the transition has its difficulties. "No matter how prepared you are to retire, and particularly from doing something every day at such a high level, it’s hard," she explained. "I really prepped myself the best way I could but it’s still something that’s a little difficult."
Now, she is prioritising self-discovery and family. A mother of two, Williams emphasised her long-held desire for parenthood. "I want to be around my family," she affirmed, detailing a home-centric life. "I’m cooking every night that I’m home. I’m home 29 nights a month… Sometimes I’ll fly to New York, do what I need to do, fly back and be home in time for dinner."
Her journey now involves forging a new identity beyond the court. "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," Williams shared. "I’m discovering me again."
