In September last year, the great Serena Williams announced not her retirement, but her, “evolution” away from tennis per "Vogue." After making her professional debut in 1995, at just 14 years old, she went on to win 858 matches, including 73 titles and 23 grand slams.
Calling her career illustrious seems like an understatement but there are few better words to describe the “Serena era” in women’s tennis. Her retirement shook the entire sports world, but not only that. With tweets of congratulations from athletes such as LeBron James, Tiger Woods and Derek Jeter, to influential figures such as Michelle Obama, Charlotte Clymer and Ana Navarro-Cardenas, her name and impact go worldwide. Her retirement turned heads not only online but here at the Mount as well.
When asked, different opinions were given in different ways. Sophomores Anthony Zaccaria and John Marinelli were of one mind. They remarked, “It’s about time. Her retirement makes sense.”
A retirement after almost 27 years of hard work and dedication definitely makes sense, but the statement “it’s about time” has some merit to it as well.
Williams hasn’t won a major since 2017, winning the Australian Open in a final against her sister Venus. She is zero for four in major finals since then, losing at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open twice. With these losses, Williams finally proved beatable, and her retirement seemed inevitable and soon to happen. Others weren’t as pleased to see Williams’ exit from the sport.
Sophomore Danny Wheeler described Williams as “the best women’s tennis player to date” and that it's “hard to see her go.” Williams was a beacon of hope for young girls all around the globe with dreams to one day follow in her footsteps. Teenage sensation Coco Gauff considers Williams a huge role model and inspiration, stating that “it’s because of you I believe in this dream.”
Dr. Kalfani Ture, Assistant Professor of African-American Studies, described Williams as “more than just an athlete.” She was truly an inspiration for all, showing that anyone from any background, rich or poor, white or black, can make it in this world.
Coming out of Compton into a predominantly white sport, the odds were stacked up against her but through it all, both Willaims sisters conquered the women’s tennis world.