Serena Williams, a 41 year old tennis player, has officially announced her retirement from a 27 year long career. Williams just recently announced that she will be retiring after the 2022 US Open in Queens. 

Williams has won 23 double titles, four Olympic Gold medals, 73 Single titles and 23 Grand Slam titles. Williams was also on the cover of the 2022 September issue of Vogue Magazine titled, “I can’t do this forever.” After 94 million dollars in winnings, Williams is ready to retire and, “Focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals, and finally discovering a different but just as exciting Serena.” 

Williams wants to be remembered for more than what she can do with a racket. 

“I hope that people come to think of me as symbolizing something bigger than tennis,” she said.

“I’d like it to be: Serena is this and she’s that and she was a great tennis player and she won those slams.” So as Williams says, she’s evolving. “Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution.” 

“I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me. I am more grateful for you than I can ever express in words. You have carried me to so many wins and so many trophies, I’m going to miss that version of me, the girl who played tennis. And I’m going to miss you.”

After a 27 year long career as a Black female athlete in a traditionally white sport Serena Williams has overcome racist attacks and remained one of the most decorated athletes in tennis history.