Serena Williams admitted it was hard for her to walk away from professional tennis in September because she felt she could still play the game at a very high level. Williams, 41, made the US Open third round before losing to two-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist Ajla Tomljanovic in three sets.
In the US Open second round, Williams defeated Anett Kontaveit – who at the time was the second-ranked player in the world. “I for sure feel more at peace now. It’s interesting. I think I feel torn because I’m still able to play at a very, very, very high level.
With that being said, I always wanted to leave the game playing at a very high level. But it’s hard because it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, I could still play, and I could still do all that stuff.’ But I’m inch by inch leaning away, inch by inch embracing it,” Williams told E!
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Williams: I played tennis at home
After retiring from pro tennis, Williams tried to entertain herself by playing at home. In recent times, Williams hasn’t played that much at home but admitted she misses it. “I was playing earlier when I first retired ’cause it was hard to do it cold turkey.
But lately, I haven’t played so much. And I miss it. I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness. I gotta get out there.’ But it’s hard for me to get out there,” Williams added. Recently, Williams appeared on CBS Mornings. During her appearance, Williams admitted that there were no plans on her side to return to pro tennis.
Also, Williams revealed that her father persuaded her to play in at least two more Grand Slams. But Williams played the game at a high level for over two decades and she felt the time was right for her to focus on something else in life.
