Serena Williams, a strong minded, powerful athlete and mother of one has influenced the world in numerous ways. Williams’ 23 grand slam singles titles and rank of #7 in the world by the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) proves that she paved the way for a multitude of female athletes. Throughout the past 20 years Williams experienced her fair share of wins and losses. 

Since Williams returned from maternity leave, her almost perfect statistics seemed to decline. She lost twice in a Grand Slam semifinal and four times in a Grand Slam final. On February 17, 2021, Williams lost the Australian Open to rising superstar Naomi Osaka. When she walked off the court after losing to Osaka she paused for a short moment, put a hand on her chest, smiled and waved at fans as they showered her with a standing ovation. This unusual gesture left her fans questioning if she might ever play again.

“I don’t think she will stop until she at least wins a Grand Slam, because she came back to win Grand Slams,” Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou said. 

If Serena Williams ever does retire, her legacy still stands. In 2017 she became the first player, male or female, to win 80+ matches at three of the four annual Grand Slam events. Williams contributed so much to not only the athletic community but to the world around her as well. Williams was appointed a national Goodwill Ambassador for India in 2010 and became a global Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. She also founded the Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education and donates 10 percent of her earnings to the organization. She even donated prize money from the 2020 women’s singles final to the Australian bushfire fund.

“Well first I know if Serena Williams won the 2021 australian open, she probably would have retired. She would probably like to win one more grand slam tournament before she retires. The legacy she would leave on the tennis community would be to tell future boys, girls, women, and men that it is possible to achieve your goals whether you are on the bottom or the top. The impact of her legacy would touch the hearts of young women especially like Naomi Osaka to keep pursuing your career because it’s worth it in the end. Serena Williams has been an idol for many young women out there including 2021 Australian open champion Naomi Osaka, so it is proven that she makes a difference to the lives of young girls watching tennis,” said senior Olivia Drake.

Serena Williams  balances both parenthood and tennis, granting her the “hero” title. Nevertheless, Williams makes the stress of motherhood evident in her interviews and Twitter posts. She explains the difference between playing tennis and motherhood. She then explains that as an athlete you must stay resilient, but as a mother you must remain vulnerable at all times. 

“Working and being a mom is not easy. I am often exhausted, stressed, and then I go play a professional tennis match. We keep going. I am so proud and inspired by the women who do it day in and day out,” said Williams. 

Although Serena Williams lost the Australian open, she did not lose her strength, grit, determination, or leadership. Williams revolutionized women’s tennis with her unique style of playing and one of a kind physical stature. She remains an inspiration and influence to people all over the world.