Serena Williams is one of the most successful and dominant tennis players of all time. She has won more Grand Slam tournaments than any other female athlete in history, and has been ranked number one in the world for singles seven times. Throughout her career, she has faced a number of challenges, and has continually pushed herself to new heights. So when did Serena Williams stop playing tennis?
Williams’s Early Career
Serena Williams debuted on the professional tennis tour in 1995, and quickly rose to fame. She won her first Grand Slam singles title in 1999, and was soon established as a major force in women’s tennis. In 2002, she became the first African-American woman to be ranked number one in the world in singles. Over the next decade, she would go on to win multiple Grand Slam titles, and become one of the most recognizable faces in tennis.
Williams’s Injuries
Unfortunately, Williams’s career was plagued by injuries. In 2003, she suffered a knee injury that caused her to miss the entire season. In 2011, she suffered a cut to her foot, which required surgery and kept her off the court for several months. In 2013, she had to withdraw from the French Open due to an injury to her back. Despite these setbacks, Williams continued to compete and maintained her status as one of the top players in the world.
Williams’s Comeback
In 2015, Williams made a dramatic comeback, winning the Australian Open. This was her 19th Grand Slam singles title, tying her with Steffi Graf for the most Grand Slam singles titles by a female player. In 2016, she won her 23rd Grand Slam singles title, setting a new record for the most Grand Slam singles titles won by any female athlete in history.
Williams’s Last Event
Williams’s last professional tennis event was the 2017 Australian Open. She had a strong showing in the tournament, making it all the way to the finals before losing to her sister, Venus Williams. After the tournament, she announced that she was pregnant and would be taking a break from professional tennis.
Williams’s Retirement
After giving birth to her daughter in September 2017, Williams announced her retirement from professional tennis in February 2018. She stated that she wanted to focus on her family and her new role as a mother. Since her retirement, Williams has continued to stay involved in the sport, attending tournaments and providing commentary.
Williams’s Impact
Williams’s career has had a profound impact on the world of tennis. Not only did she set records for the most Grand Slam singles titles won by a female athlete in history, she also raised the profile of women’s tennis and helped bring in a new generation of tennis fans.
Williams’s Legacy
Williams’s legacy is one of excellence and resilience. She faced adversity throughout her career, but always pushed herself to new heights. She is an inspiration to millions of athletes around the world, and her legacy will live on for generations to come.
Conclusion
Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes of all time. Throughout her career, she faced a number of challenges and injuries, but always pushed herself to new heights. She retired from professional tennis in February 2018, and has since become a mother and an advocate for women’s sports. Her legacy will continue to inspire athletes for generations to come.
So, when did Serena Williams stop playing tennis? Serena Williams retired from professional tennis in February 2018.