In yet another series of life advice from Serena Williams, the tennis legend has pulled out of the Australian Open after concerns about her fitness post-pregnancy.
The seven-time champion released a statement today stating that her match in Abu Dhabi in December proved to her she’s not quite ready to get back in the game. She lost the exhibition match to French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.
‘After competing in Abu Dhabi, I realised that although I am super close, I'm not where I personally want to be,’ Serena stated,
‘My coach and team always said “only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way”. I can compete — but I don't want to just compete. I want to do far better than that and to do so, I will need a little more time.’
The response to her decision has been overwhelmingly supportive, with fans even more emboldened in their support of a woman who shows us it’s okay not to be ready to jump back into your former life post-pregnancy.
After making history last year when she won the Australian Open while eight weeks pregnant, her ambition and motivation to be her best possible self is an amazing example for women and men alike. Just like when shepenned that amazing essay calling for equal pay for black women, or when she gave the perfect response to bodyshamers, she's paving the way for all of us.
‘The memory of last year's Open is one that I will carry with me, and Olympia and I look forward to coming back again’, she continued, ‘I appreciate the support and understanding of my fans and everyone at the Australian Open.’
Can we all take a leaf out of Serena’s book this year? It’s the one resolution that might actually stick, to take your time and put yourself first.
CHECK OUT: Advice to live by? Here are Serena William's most inspirational quotes...
Serena Williams - Grazia
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'Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come.'
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'People want more fit arms, but my arms are too fit. But I'm not complaining. They pay my bills.'
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'Everyone's dream can come true if you just stick to it and work hard.'
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'I'm not used to crying. It's a little difficult. All my life I've had to fight. It's just another fight I'm going to have to learn how to win, that's all. I'm just going to have to keep smiling.'
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'Tennis just a game, family is forever.'
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'I don't have regrets. I don't live in the past. I live in the present and learn not to make the same mistakes in the future.'
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'Venus told me the other day that champions don't get nervous in tight situations. That really helped me a lot. I decided I shouldn't get nervous and just do the best I can.'
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'I’m really exciting. I smile a lot, I win a lot, and I’m really sexy.'
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'I’ve had people look past me because the colour of my skin, I’ve had people overlook me because I was a woman, I’ve had critics say I [would] never win another Grand Slam when I was only at number seven - and here I stand today with 21 Grand Slam titles, and I’m still going...'
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'I've always considered myself the best and the top. I never considered that I was out of it.'
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