Serena Williams is back.
Now, before the tennis lovers come for me, let me confess something: I’m not a tennis girl. I don’t follow every tournament, I don’t know every ranking, and I couldn’t tell you who is seeded where.
But for Serena Williams?
I’ll be watching.
After nearly four years away from professional tennis, Serena is returning to competition at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London from June 8–14, 2026. She’ll be playing doubles alongside Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko. Their first-round doubles match is expected to take place during the opening rounds beginning on June 8, with the official order of play announced by the tournament closer to match time. (Reuters)
And I am so proud of her.
Not because she’s Serena Williams. Not because she has 23 Grand Slam titles. Not because she’s one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.
I’m proud of her because she did something many people struggle to do.
She changed her mind.
Years ago, she stepped away from tennis. Many people assumed that chapter was closed forever. But here she is, at 44 years old, returning to the sport she loves.
Some people have criticised her.
“But you retired.”
“But you’re older now.”
“But you’re not as fast as you used to be.”
“But what if you lose?”
Do people honestly think Serena Williams didn’t think about all of that?
This is someone who has spent most of her life competing at the highest level. She understands pressure. She understands criticism. She understands expectations.
And yet she came back anyway.
That takes courage.
What struck me even more was hearing criticism from people who once worked closely with her. It reminded me that sometimes the people who doubt your next chapter are the very people who were part of your previous one.
Not everyone will understand your growth.
Not everyone will support your comeback.
Not everyone will believe in the new version of you.
And that’s okay.
Because your dream doesn’t require everyone’s approval.
What Serena’s return reminds me is that it is never too late to start again.
Especially for women.
So many women become mothers, caregivers, wives, business owners, employees, and somewhere along the line, they quietly place their own dreams on a shelf.
Not because the dreams disappeared.
Just because life got busy.
Years pass.
Then one day they look up and wonder if it’s too late.
Serena’s return is a reminder that it isn’t.
You can pick up where you left off.
You can revisit the dream.
You can learn the skill.
You can start the business.
You can write the book.
You can apply for the role.
You can become the person you always imagined.
And no, when I say “get back in shape,” I don’t mean physically.
I mean getting yourself into position mentally, emotionally, and practically to pursue the things you once wanted before life handed you new titles and responsibilities.
Not everyone who starts late becomes Serena Williams.
Not everyone who starts late becomes a famous artist.
But everyone who starts gives themselves a chance.
The people who never begin guarantee themselves nothing.
So today, I have a question for you:
What is that one thing you’ve been wanting to do but keep postponing?
That course?
That business?
That hobby?
That dream?
Maybe this is your sign.
Maybe this is your Serena Williams moment.
Go and start.
The future version of you is waiting.
Comments
Post a Comment