Serena Williams says whether she actually misses playing tennis now she’s retired
Serena Williams gave some insight into if she misses being a tennis player or not.
It has now been two years since the 23-time Grand Slam champion bid farewell to the sport after a career spanning over two decades.
The American has been enjoying life with her family since retiring and spending more time on his respective business ventures, but though no longer a tennis player, Williams’ competitive nature still burns bright.
How much does Serena Williams miss playing tennis?
Serena Williams played professional tennis for 27 years and during those three decades she impacted tennis in a number of ways both on and off the court.
The 43-year-old made statements not only with her tennis ability, but also her fashion and not being afraid to speak out on various issues.
Williams’ presence within tennis is sorely missed, and she misses the game just as much, as she is preparing to run a half-marathon in a bid to fuel her competitive spirit and drive.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
“I’ve gotten obsessed, more obsessed with diet and exercise, I think, than when I was playing tennis,” Williams told People Magazine.
“I knew that I was going to burn 20,000 calories a day, and now I’m like, ‘Oh my god, I don’t know how many calories I’m going to be able to burn!’
“Look at me. I’m trying to compete — not compete, rephrase — trying to do a half-marathon. That’s my new goal. So it’s just like I have to do something competitive. I miss tennis like crazy.”
How many titles did Serena Williams win in her career?
Williams retired from tennis in September 2022 after winning 73 titles, the fifth most of any woman in the open era.
23 of these champions came at Grand Slams, including seven at Wimbledon, the second-highest number in the open era behind Martina Navratilova.
Serena tried to equal Margaret Court’s tally of 24 Grand Slams, but suffered four agonising defeats in the 2018 and 2019 Wimbledon and US Open finals.
The American finished World number one on five occasions, and spent 319 total weeks as the World number one, the third-highest number of all time.
The final title of Williams’ career came at the 2020 Auckland Open, when she defeated compatriot Jessica Pegula in the final.