Serena Williams to retire from tennis after US Open | Sports activities

Serena Williams mentioned on Tuesday she was “evolving away from tennis” and deliberate to retire from the game she dominated with 23 Grand Slam titles following the US Open event, which begins later this month.

On Monday, Williams performed solely her second singles match since she returned to motion at Wimbledon in June after a year-long absence from competitors, beating Spain’s Nuria Parrizas Diaz to succeed in the second spherical of the Toronto Open.

However the 40-year-old mentioned after the match that she might see the sunshine on the finish of the tennis tunnel in her profession.

“I’ve by no means preferred the phrase retirement,” Williams wrote in a Vogue article.

“Possibly the very best phrase to explain what I am as much as is evolution. I am right here to let you know that I am evolving away from tennis, towards different issues which are essential to me.

“A couple of years in the past I quietly began Serena Ventures, a enterprise capital agency. Quickly after that, I began a household. I wish to develop that household.”

Williams gained her final Grand Slam in 2017 and has been chasing an elusive twenty fourth crown that might draw her degree with Australian Margaret Courtroom who holds the report for essentially the most majors.

She got here tantalisingly near attaining that feat, that includes in 4 main finals since giving beginning to daughter Olympia in 2017.

“There are individuals who say I’m not the GOAT [greatest of all time] as a result of I didn’t go Courtroom’s report, which she achieved earlier than the ‘Open period’ that started in 1968,” mentioned former world primary Williams, who sought the recommendation of her pal Tiger Woods earlier than choosing up a racket once more this spring.

“I might be mendacity if I mentioned I did not need that report. Clearly I do. However everyday, I am actually not occupied with her.”

Williams later mentioned in an Instagram submit that it was time to maneuver in a “completely different course.”

“The countdown has begun. I’ve to concentrate on being a mother, my non secular targets and eventually discovering a special, however simply thrilling Serena.”

Williams introduced herself on the grandest stage by profitable the 1999 US Open, a event she would go on to say 5 extra occasions.

In a storied profession throughout which she dominated rivals like no different athlete, she additionally claimed seven Australian Open titles, three French Open titles and 7 Wimbledon crowns.

Seven-times Grand Slam winner John McEnroe known as Williams “an icon.”

“She’s in that degree the place Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Tom Brady are,” he advised USA Right now. “She’s like one of many all-time biggest athletes within the historical past of any sport – male or feminine.”

Williams additionally owns 14 girls’s Grand Slam doubles titles with older sister Venus and has gained 4 Olympic gold medals: singles (2012), doubles (2000, 2008, 2012).

Whereas she has properly earned the popularity as tennis’ fiercest competitor, Williams performed down expectations for her remaining main, after shedding within the opening spherical at Wimbledon.

“Sadly I wasn’t able to win Wimbledon this yr. And I do not know if I shall be able to win New York. However I’ll strive,” she wrote.

“I do know there is a fan fantasy that I might need tied Margaret that day in London, then perhaps beat her report in New York… It is a good fantasy. However I am not on the lookout for some ceremonial, remaining on-court second.

“I am horrible at goodbyes, the world’s worst. However please know that I’m extra grateful for you than I can ever categorical in phrases.”

Williams mentioned she and her husband, entrepreneur and investor Alexis Ohanian, have been making an attempt to have one other baby over the last yr, a choice that her four-year-old daughter Olympia has totally endorsed.

“Typically earlier than mattress, she prays to Jehovah to carry her a child sister,” Williams wrote.

Williams gained the 2017 Australian Open whereas she was two months pregnant however has little interest in being a pregnant athlete once more: “I should be two toes into tennis or two toes out.”

“I by no means needed to have to decide on between tennis and a household. “However I’m turning 41 [in September], and one thing’s acquired to present.”