Williams decides on retirement date: 'However long Federer plays, I'll play'

Monday, 04 November 2019 at 15:25

Serena Williams, like another legend of the game Roger Federer has had a lot made of her retirement in the near future and she once again denied she has any plans to retire soon.

Instead she said she will time it with the Swiss legend and will retire when he does from the sport at a recent Forbes Summit on Monday.

“I feel like I love what I do and I feel like when I’m out there I’m the best at what I do.

However long Roger Federer plays, I’ll play."

Williams also spoke about being inspired by other sportsmen and sportswomen: “Athletes across the board, basketball, tennis, football … they’re playing into their 40s.

That would have never have happened a decade ago or 20 years ago. I’m part of a new generation that was really fortunate to work with better technology, equipment and shoes. And, even knowing how to take care of your body.

So, your body, even though it’s at a certain age, it actually feels like it’s much younger. Everyone says it, but they don’t put the work in. I wasn’t the best player, I wasn’t the most talented, by far not the tallest.

You don’t have to be the smartest. You don’t have to have the most money. You don’t have to have the most open doors for you. You have to have the attitude that you’re going to be the hardest worker. [Say to yourself] ‘I’m not going to let anything stop me. I’m not going to give up.’”

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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