Photo via: Time Magazine
Last week, Serena Williams made a successful grand slam return when she won her first grand slam match since having her daughter Olympia in 2017. While wearing a Black superhero catsuit to represent for all the moms who endured a tough pregnancy, Williams advanced all the way to the fourth round of the French Open before having to withdraw from the tournament due to a pectoral injury. She was expected to play her long-time rival Maria Sharapova.
“The fact that I physically can’t serve at all is a good indication that maybe I should just go back to the drawing board and stay positive,” Williams said. “And try to get better and not get it to a point where it could be a lot worse.”
Nonetheless, Williams’ return to the grand slam arena alone has been an inspiration to people everywhere. From the Black superhero catsuit, to winning three matches less than a year after experiencing a life-threatening pregnancy, to pushing through the pain she started to feel on Sunday to play in the doubles with her sister Venus. The sisters were eliminated in the third round of doubles.
“You always live to fight for another chance,” Williams wrote on Instagram about her withdrawal from the tournament. “I’ve done a lot of fighting and this is just the beginning. Thank you all for the support. I love you.”
Williams is set to stay in Paris to receive an MRI, which will determine her Wimbledon plans.
We’re wishing you a speedy recovery, Serena! You’re still one of the greatest athletes of all time and an inspiration on and off the court.