New Distances: Serena Williams

Since turning pro at the age of 14, Serena Willams has always been tagged as ‘too’ everything: too black, too committed to activism, too young or old, too tough or sexy. But because of her resilience and belief in herself, she had the perspective to understand that for every negative comment, there’s a million positive ones. She may have a stinging forehand, but Serena’s mental toughness is why she’s so effective on the court, at home, and in life. She is one of the fiercest competitors of her generation, that unparalleled hunger for greatness has propelled her to a record 23 Grand Slam victories, a successful businesswoman and thriving mother.

With the rest of her legacy still to be written, Serena talked to us about how she looks to uplift the next generation.

How much do you attribute your self-belief to your upbringing, your family, and those formative years in your life?

SERENA WILLIAMS: Self-belief is everything. I attribute my self-belief to pretty much everything I have. There were moments where I was the only one that believed in me. And although it’s great to have other people believe in you, it’s best to have self-belief in yourself.

What was it about the game that you fell in love with and what would you say to the next generation that may not have found their passion yet, or are questioning whether to go forward?

SERENA: Honestly, the thing that I fell in love with tennis is winning. I love to win. I love championships. I love to hold up trophies and that’s really weird and really strange, but it’s addicting. Whenever I win something, I’m just like, what’s next? Let’s take the next one. I don’t know if that’s a great answer, but I do know that’s me. That’s my passion and my dedication to work harder because I know what it feels like to play that final point and to have that thrill of overcoming everything and all the work that I’ve done for so long and reaping the benefit of it.

– Serena Williams

How do you manage and balance being ambitious, yet calm, unapologetic, yet compassionate, fearless, yet strategic, in all facets of your life, as a tennis player, a mother and a business woman?

SERENA: Balance is super key. Fierce, powerful, and strong but yet sensitive, balance is something that I’m actually still working on. Overall, the way I find the best balance is just by being authentic and just being me and just being Serena. I’m not going to be anything different in front of a camera or behind a camera. I’m always going to be me.

Reflecting on a 15-year-old Serena Williams, understanding every hurdle she will ever have to overcome. What advice would you give her?

SERENA: Looking back at a 15-year-old Serena? Oh my gosh. The only advice I would say is to enjoy every moment because you’re a teenager for such a short period of your life and it’s fun. And that’s the only thing I would say. I think that what I’ve gone through made me who I am and made me stronger, but I would just say enjoy every second of your life.

Since the very beginning to when you turned pro and beyond, you seem to have overcome every hurdle from every angle. Being a black woman in a predominantly white sport, to the injuries, personal hardships and even starting off as Venus’ younger sister. How have you stayed the course and been resilient along the whole journey?

SERENA: I think the only reason I’ve been able to stay the course is because I love what I do, even though some days are very difficult and some moments are difficult. I think ultimately there’s no way that I would be who I am or would have anything that I have unless I truly enjoyed my job. I enjoy doing what I do best. And that’s playing tennis.