Serena Williams: Winning Australian Open While Pregnant Was My Greatest Moment
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Serena Williams, a name synonymous with tennis greatness, has achieved numerous milestones throughout her illustrious career. But according to the superstar herself, one victory stands out above all others: winning the Australian Open while pregnant.
The Unexpected Triumph
Speaking at the SuperReturn private equity conference in Berlin, Williams reflected on her remarkable 2017 Australian Open win. She admitted being baffled by how she managed to secure the Grand Slam title while nine weeks pregnant with her daughter, Olympia.
"I don’t know how I did that, honestly,” Williams stated, highlighting the physical and mental challenges she faced during the tournament. The fact that she didn't drop a single set en route to victory makes the achievement even more extraordinary.
A Secret Kept
Williams kept her pregnancy a secret from almost everyone. Only her sister, Venus, was aware of the situation, adding another layer of complexity to their epic final match. Williams expressed some guilt, wondering if Venus sensed her condition and felt a burden to hold back.
“I didn’t tell anyone,” continued Williams, who retired from professional tennis in 2022. “I mean, Venus knew... she must have known, and she must have felt some sort of deep heaviness to go even further and go all out.”
Pushing Through the Limits
Williams recounted a particularly challenging moment during a match when she struggled to breathe during a long rally. Rather than reveal her physical limitations, she intentionally lost the next point to recover, showcasing her strategic thinking and determination. Her ability to overcome such adversity underscores her exceptional athleticism and mental fortitude. Winning the Australian Open while carrying her child is a testament to Serena William's unwavering spirit and legendary status.