Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, sat down with Glamour to dispel common myths about tennis and share personal anecdotes about her career and life beyond the court. In her trademark candid and humorous style, Serena covered everything from family life to the quirks of the sport, offering unique insights into the world of tennis and her own experiences.
Sports vs. Family
One of the biggest myths Serena tackled was the idea that athletes must choose between sports and family. While she acknowledged that balancing the two can be challenging, Serena explained her decision to prioritize being a mom. “I never thought I’d say that,” she admitted, but cherishing time with her daughters has become her greatest achievement. “Showing up every day is an achievement, and it’s not easy,” she said.
Tennis Players and Pickleball
Addressing the growing popularity of pickleball, Serena joked that while tennis players often excel at pickleball, the reverse isn’t necessarily true. “Tennis is a different sport,” she said. Transitioning from pickleball to tennis, according to Serena, isn’t as seamless as it might seem.
Makeup While Playing Sports
Serena dismissed the myth that athletes can’t wear makeup while competing. “That’s why I created Wyn Beauty,” she explained, emphasizing that women can be both powerful and stylish. Reflecting on a memorable moment at the Paris Olympics, she praised her makeup for holding up in the rain during the opening ceremony—even though her false lashes ended up in the Seine River!
Singles vs. Doubles
Serena revealed that playing doubles—often with her sister Venus—was sometimes more challenging than singles. “If you make a mistake in singles, it’s on you. But in doubles, you don’t want to let your partner down,” she said. Despite the pressure, she cherishes the memories of winning three Olympic gold medals in doubles.
Pregnancy and Tennis
Serena disproved the myth that women can’t play tennis while pregnant, sharing her experience of competing while nine weeks pregnant. “If you played tennis before, you can continue to do it while you’re pregnant,” she said.
Skirts vs. Shorts
When it comes to tennis attire, Serena voiced her preference for skirts over shorts. “I love playing in skirts,” she said, noting their versatility. She often wears tennis skirts not just on the court but also to the gym, the grocery store, and even for casual outings.
“Wii Tennis” and Grunts
As for video game adaptations of the sport, Serena admitted she isn’t a fan of “Wii Tennis,” explaining that after a day of running on the court, she doesn’t want to work out again at home. However, she does enjoy “Wii Fitness” for its workout potential. She also addressed the myth that grunting in tennis is just for show. “It’s a way of breathing,” she explained, adding that it helps with focus and power.
Tennis Elbow and Serving
Serena also clarified misconceptions about tennis elbow, stating that it can occur in other sports like pickleball and golf. Surprisingly, she revealed she’s never experienced it herself. On the topic of serving with new balls, she remained unfazed, saying, “You give me a ball, I’m serving an ace.”
A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
To give fans an even deeper look into her journey, Serena is releasing a docuseries on ESPN. The series promises to go beyond the trophies, showcasing the challenges, injuries, and behind-the-scenes moments that shaped her legendary career. “It’s really raw and emotional,” she shared, adding that she cried a lot while filming.
From debunking myths to sharing heartfelt stories, Serena’s conversation highlights not only her iconic status as an athlete but also her relatable and multifaceted personality. Whether on the court or off, she continues to inspire fans with her authenticity and resilience.
