Dear Serena,
I never really contemplated this day would come when I would be reflecting on your legacy as you prepare to close the tennis chapter and begin another.
I grew up watching you. Although your first professional match was in October 1995 at the Bell Challenge in Quebec City, you were thrust into the limelight when you won your first grand slam at the US Open in 1999. You would go on to win 23 in total (7 Aussie, 7 Wimbledon, 6 US and 3 French) with 73 WTA titles, and 4 Olympic gold medals. Talk about DOMINATION. And this doesn’t include the doubles titles with your legendary sister, Venus Williams.
It hurts that I didn’t pay as much attention to your matches growing up. I assumed you won every match. I remember vividly in 2014 during the Wimbledon finals, I came to the sitting room in our family house in London and I asked my dad, how long until the game was over. And he said, “one or two more points and game over”. That was the mentality I had – you wrapped up every game and quick. It wasn’t until late 2017 when you were pregnant with Olympia, that I began to watch a little closer and appreciate how you changed the game – growing up in Compton, dominating a predominantly white sport, playing and dominating against the likes of Martina Hingis, Monica Seles, Lindsey Davenport, Kim Clijsters and Maria Sharapova and going on to break record after record.
Over the last few years I’ve watched you, you’ve taught me a number of things.
You’ve taught me grace. You’ve taught me composure. It was from you I first heard Billie Jean King’s quote: ‘Pressure is privilege’.
You’ve taught me how to work under pressure. You’ve taught me the importance of showing up when it matters – those crucial moments when it’s natural to cave into the pressure, but you were an expert and regaining control of the game.
You taught me how to love my body and walk with confidence. You reminded me that thick thighs don’t just save lives, but they save breakpoints and win matches.
Serena, you’ve taught me passion and how that fuels performance.
Serena, you’ve taught me the winning mentality.
Most importantly, you’ve taught me that having a husband and kids is a beautiful thing and it’s okay for strong women to lean in and receive love.
Nowadays, I think our generation carelessly uses the word GOAT for every other good player. When I refer to you as the GOAT, it goes beyond tennis – it’s in business, motherhood, family and friendships. Throughout your career, you’ve stood tall and wavered all the curveballs whether it’s racism, sexism, unfair media, countless injuries, jealousy from her competitors, hate, fat shaming, you name it and still managed to WIN 23 GRAND SLAMS. And one whilst you were nine weeks pregnant. Just incredible.
I can’t do this letter justice without paying tribute to your father, Richard and sister, Venus Williams – in fact, your whole family is legendary. Your mom, Oracene; sisters, Isha and Lyndrea, and agent, Jill Smoller, who showed up match after match through the wins and losses. They are an example of what support looks like.
But your dad, Richard Williams. A legend. A man with a vision; a dream and a plan. A 78-page plan to be specific – a reminder that dreams with a plan can come true. He is to be acknowledged for not just nurturing the talent of two young Black girls who would go on to become legendary tennis players but, role models, and successful women in their own rights.
And your sister, Venus Williams. There would be no Serena without Venus. She’s always been an example of leading with grace. She had the big dreams that you bought into. She paved the way for the Williams sisters to become a household name, and showing the world what #BlackGirlMagic is each and every time #GOALS.
Serena, I loved how you stated in your farewell Vogue feature that you’re wary of the word retirement. You say: “I’m evolving away from tennis, towards other things that are important to me.” It’s more of a goodbye and handing the baton to the next generation”.
As a fan, it’s not a goodbye, it’s a what’s next? It’s a ‘what’s next ?’ to support. I know one of them is your venture capitalist firm, Serena Ventures which is focused on providing funding for women, especially those of color. We see your greatness isn’t limited to the tennis court, but consumes everything you touch.
Serena Jameka Williams – thank you. Thank you for being a beautiful representation to young black girls and women like me that nothing should ever limit us- not skin color, gender, background or physical attributes.
I will miss seeing you compete. I will miss the ‘COME ON’s!!!’ I will miss the unconventional match attires. I will miss those walk-ins with your headphones on before the start of a match, with a face card that never declines. I will miss seeing your family in the stands.
Serena, you’ve got a fan here forever. It’s not a goodbye, it’s a what’s next?
Sincerely,
Motunday xo