Image Source: Eurosport
Serena Williams took center stage at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne, which is often the center of the sedate Sussex beach town’s cultural activity and home to various theaters. But, despite being away from the scene for almost one year, the signs were that one of the greatest players of all time would leave quietly without receiving the proper send-off.
However, Serena Williams returned to the tennis court on Tuesday, weeks after many assumed the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion would never play again. It had been almost precisely a year since her last competitive match.
In the Eastbourne doubles, the 40-year-old American paired up with Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, who is now ranked third in the WTA singles world rankings, and the pair won their opening match in a fun-filled evening.
Williams hopes to compete in the Wimbledon singles event in the coming week, where she has won seven of her major championships.
She admitted that after the game, she “definitely” had moments of uncertainty about continuing to play. Hence, the reason there was a possibility that she had discreetly retired.
Williams had not participated in a competitive match for nine months when her longtime coach Patrick Mouratoglou began working with former world number one Simona Halep in April. She was in the middle of her 41st year. Little evidence suggested she had even been practicing.
The recall of the American’s remarks from the 2021 Australian Open, in which she stated: “If I ever say farewell, I wouldn’t tell anyone,” added more gasoline to the rumors about her future.
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She casually brought up her preparation for Wimbledon in an Instagram story with NFL star Aaron Rodgers later that day.
Still, she posted an Instagram photo of her feet on the grass with the phrase “Heading to Britain to play” to indicate that she was going “SW 19 at. Date night.” – had not been taken for granted.
Fourth-ranked Spanish player Paula Badosa stated, “I think it surprised everyone.”
What is Serena Williams up to these days?
“I’m Olympia’s mum” is all that appears in her Instagram bio.
Williams spends a lot of her time these days being a devoted mother, but she has also been quite active working on her business interests outside of tennis.
She just debuted the “Serena” apparel line and has a jewelry line in her fashion portfolio.
Angel City FC, an American women’s soccer team, also counts Billie Jean King, Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria, and Jennifer Garner among its prominent backers. Williams is one of them.
She raised $111 million earlier this year to start Serena Ventures, a venture capital fund that backs business owners with various backgrounds.
When questioned about continuing to play in the upcoming season, she responded: “I’m not sure; I’m unable to respond. But I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t enjoy playing and watching tennis, right?” But I really enjoy my work off the court, particularly what I’ve developed with Serena Ventures. So it’s a lot, then.”
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