- Serena Williams has had a huge effect on the sport
- She will retire after the US Open
- Nadal feels it’s a great loss to the tennis world
Serena Williams has had a huge effect on the sport, Rafael Nadal says as the 23-time Grand Slam champion plans to retire.
Williams decided to retire following the 2022 US Open, bringing a close to a career that is unparalleled in its accomplishments and forever altered the sport.
Yet, Nadal feels privileged to have shared the tennis spotlight with Williams who beat odds to get to this point.
She first became prominent in the late 1990s and has remained a dominant force in the sport.
HOW DOES NADAL FEEL ABOUT SERENA WILLIAMS RETIRING?
Nadal remarked the Williams is one of the best sports people of all time. He treasures the days and years of lengthy tours together.
Irrespective of one’s feelings on her, says Nadal, one must acknowledge that her departure from the tour is a loss for the sport as a whole.
Rafael Nadal Serena Williams. Photo/National Daily Newspaper
“I think she’s an amazing inspiration for a lot of people around the world and I think she deserves to choose whatever works for her better at this stage off her life. So I wish her all the best.”
“Serena Williams has shown she is one of the greatest athletes of all time in any sport,” he noted.
Williams’ retirement comes as no major surprise as she had already obviously switched to being largely focused on her company and investments as well as other off-court pursuits.
WHY IS SERENA WILLIAMS RETIRING?
In addition, she has stated that she would like to be present to play an active role in her child’s life, which she believes does not mesh well with the life of a WTA professional.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion said it would be an evolution for her to be away from the sport. The word “retirement” was never one she cared for.
She told Vogue in an exclusive interview that ‘evolution’ might be the word that best describes what she is doing. Ideally, Serena said that her priorities are shifting away from tennis and toward other things.
She says to continue picking tennis at the expense of her family. Nevertheless, she admits that it’s been hard making that decision.
“I’ve been reluctant to admit that I have to move on from playing tennis. It’s like a taboo topic. It comes up, and I start to cry. I think the only person I’ve really gone there with is my therapist,” she told Vogue.
Williams’ difficult pregnancy and subsequent physical and mental health problems undoubtedly prevented her from winning more than 23 Grand Slams; this is more than a touch of cosmic unfairness.
Williams was a forerunner in regard to leading the fight for equal pay for WTA Tour pros, securing equal prize money in Grand Slams while there are major inequalities elsewhere on the tour especially in events having dual tour status.
According to Serena Williams, she will officially retire after the US Open but does not want a “ceremonial, final on-court moment.”
What Next for Serena Williams After Retiring?
Her investments in major sports clubs are expected to significantly increase her net worth in the future years. She may become the first former tennis player to become a billionaire as a result.
Serena Williams retirement. Photo/Complex
Her investment in the Angel City Football Club is the driving force behind the upcoming increase.
Williams is an investor in a group that also includes Becky G, Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria, and Mia Hamm, a former US national soccer player.
She is said to be expected to see a tripling in the value of her interest in the club over the next few years. Her commercial partnership value is not likely to decrease significantly upon her retirement.
Besides, she has a multimillion-dollar deal with Nike. Since 2021, she teamed up with the sports giant and came up with “Strong and Sure” Air Force 1 customization of “Summit White” Nike Air Force 1 Serena.
The “Summit White” Nike Air Force 1 Serena now out for sale was designed by the tennis legend together with the Serena Williams Design Crew.
The upper part has pebbled leather, a new gold zipper shroud at the midfoot, and a dual-layered Swoosh on the side.
The tongue of the shoe features Williams’ initials and the statement, “A collection made to inspire change and impact the globe”. This makes it stand out from the crowd.
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