Tennis great Serena Williams said the conversation about black women in sports has “changed.”
In the latest cover story for Net-A-Porter’s digital title Porter, the 44-year-old, who won 23 Grand Slam titles during a 27-year professional career, opened up to the magazine about the resilience she has built as a black woman in the sport.
Williams said, “Growing up and being black in tennis, it’s like, well, that comes with negativity. I don’t hear the noise. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion.”
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Breaking into a predominantly white game was no easy feat for the tennis star, who faced criticism and racial prejudice throughout her career.
Many now credit the player with her influence and role in transforming the game, and she said the conversation surrounding Black women in sports has “changed.”
She said: “No one calls these girls (things) like my name. People would say we’re like men and all that stuff.
“But I’m so happy that girls today don’t have to go through that as much.”
Statistically the greatest tennis player of her era, Williams played 1,011 matches on the WTA Tour and faced opponents born every year from 1966 to 2003 during her long career.
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The tennis star retired in 2022 and said she was finding it “a bit difficult” despite preparing for the transition.
She said: “No matter how prepared you are for retirement, especially doing something at such a high level every day, it’s difficult. I’ve really prepared as best as I can, but it’s still something that’s a bit difficult.”
“I want to bring more clarity, confidence that I’ve made the right decisions and that you don’t always have to live only for your children. I’m rediscovering myself.”
The mother of two also revealed that she has “always” wanted to be a mum and is very committed to putting family first.
She said: “I want to be near my family.
“I cook every night when I’m home. I’m home 29 nights a month… Sometimes I’ll fly to New York, do what needs to be done, fly back and come home in time for dinner.”
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