Serena Williams Reveals Pregnancy During Historic Australian Open Victory
Serena Williams stunned the sports world when she won her record 23rd Grand Slam singles title at the 2017 Australian Open, defeating her sister Venus Williams in the final. Later, she revealed that she was nine weeks pregnant during the tournament, a revelation that redefined the magnitude of her achievement.
"I don't know how I did that," Williams admitted at a recent event, describing that victory as the most significant moment in her tennis career. Despite the physiological challenges of early pregnancy, including fatigue and breathlessness, she managed to perform at an elite level on the court.
Overcoming Physical Challenges During Early Pregnancy
Williams recalled struggling with typical early pregnancy symptoms throughout the tournament. She had to carefully manage her energy, focusing on strategic play such as delivering a high number of aces to conserve stamina. On one occasion, she intentionally lost a point to catch her breath during a long rally, highlighting the intense physical demands she faced.
Only two people were aware of her pregnancy at the time — her sister Venus, who competed against her in the final, and one other confidant. Williams expressed a sense of guilt about Venus carrying the emotional weight of that knowledge during their match.
Transition from Tennis to Venture Capital
After a successful tennis career that began with her first Grand Slam win at the 1999 U.S. Open, Williams shifted her focus towards entrepreneurship and investment. She currently leads Serena Ventures, a venture capital fund with a portfolio of 40 companies.
Williams emphasized how the relentless drive that propelled her sports career seamlessly transitioned into her investment approach. She shared an anecdote about multitasking during a Wimbledon tournament, reflecting her intense dedication and ability to balance high-pressure environments.
Championing Multi-Faceted Careers
Williams advocates for athletes and professionals to pursue multiple passions simultaneously. She challenges the notion that one must exclusively commit to a single field, explaining that diversifying pursuits is both possible and valuable.
- Her initial venture capital investment began in 2009 with the American football team Miami Dolphins.
- Despite criticism urging her to focus solely on tennis, she maintained her entrepreneurial vision.
- Williams encourages founders who exhibit an obsessive commitment to excellence and impact.
Balancing Family and Career
Williams is also a mother of two daughters with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit. She stepped away from professional tennis in 2022 to devote more time to her family, embodying the balance between personal and professional ambitions.
Her journey underscores the evolving landscape of sports and entrepreneurship, inspiring athletes to embrace multidimensional careers without sacrificing their identities or aspirations.
