"Someone came up to me and said I retired too early…": Serena Williams discloses recent encounter with a fan at a book store
WTA
Serena
Williams commented that an individual told her that she retired from tennis too
soon.
The
American legend announced her definitive retirement from the courts last year
at the age of 40 at the 2022 US Open. As expected, Serena Williams delivered a
great performance at the Arthur Ashe Stadium and achieved two victories before
her final elimination at the hands of Ajla Tomljanovic.
Serena
Williams fought hard in a three-set battle against the Australian player in
what turned out to be her final match on the WTA tour.
In the
first round, she defeated Danka Kovinic 6-3, 6-3, but even more impressive was
her second-round match, where the younger Williams sister defeated world No. 2
Anett Kontaveit 7-6, 2-6, 6-2.
Serena also
had her farewell in doubles, alongside her sister Venus, but they were defeated
in the first round by Czech players Linda Noskova and Lucie Hradecka.
The former
world No. 1 commented on social media that a fan told her she retired too soon
from tennis.
"I was
at a book store the other day and someone came up to me and said I retired too
early…" Serena Williams tweeted.
In her
24-year career, Williams won 23 Grand Slam titles in singles and 14 in women's
doubles (all alongside her sister Venus), as well as two in mixed doubles with
Max Mirnyi. She is also the third tennis player with the most weeks at world
No. 1, with 319 weeks, behind Steffi Graf with 377 weeks and Martina
Navratilova with 332 weeks.
The 23-time
Grand Slam champion recently announced that she and her husband Alexis Ohanian
are expecting their second child. Their eldest daughter Olympia was born in
2017, the same year Serena Williams won her last Grand Slam title, the
Australian Open, while she was eight weeks pregnant.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.
mandoist05-11-2026 - Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
