Serena Believes Motherhood May Make Her Even Better as a Player

“Maybe this goes without saying, but it needs to be said in a powerful way: I absolutely want more grand slams.” – says, Tennis star Serena Williams

The 36-year-old winner of 23 Grand Slams is now eyeing for more Grand-slam titles to equal and further surpass Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam singles titles.

“I’m well aware of the record books, unfortunately,” said Williams, who is one behind the Court’s best record. “It’s not a secret that I have my sights on 25, and actually, I think having a baby might help. When I’m too anxious I lose matches, and I feel like a lot of that anxiety disappeared when Olympia was born.”

Williams, the former world No 1 and now ranked 22 in the world, believes that motherhood actually will help her in the long term. “Knowing I’ve got this beautiful baby to go home to makes me feel like I don’t have to play another match. I don’t need the money or the titles or the prestige. I want them, but I don’t need them. That’s a different feeling for me,” she explained to Vogue in an interview published on Wednesday.

The new mom says she needs “more time” after giving birth last year.

Williams also spoke on the medical issues she faced during Olympia’s birth.  She told her baby was delivered on September 1 last year via an emergency C-Section. “Sometimes I get really down and feel like, ‘Man, I can’t do this. It’s that same negative attitude I have on the court sometimes. I guess that’s just who I am.”

She further added, “No one talks about the low moments — the pressure you feel, the incredible letdown every time you hear the baby cry. I’ve broken down I don’t know how many times. Or I’ll get angry about the crying, than sad about being angry, and then guilty, like, ‘Why do I feel so sad when I have a beautiful baby?’ The emotions are insane.”

Williams has a medical history of pulmonary embolism. Due to which she has started having the symptoms of shortness of breath, since the day after Olympia's birth.

The new mom returned to the court just months after giving birth and lost her first encounter. Now, the ace player has pulled out of the Australian Open.

READ: Pregnant Serena Williams Poses Nude For Vanity Fair

Also Read: When Serena Williams Handled John McEnroe’s Sexist Jibe Like A Boss

READ: Serena Williams Talks About Sexism

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