Tennis Champion Serena Williams to Retire

AUG 9 2022·Updated AUG 10 2022

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Image credit: AP [via Fox News]

The Facts

In a Vogue cover story published on Tues., tennis champion Serena Williams announced her intention to retire from the sport.
Vogue
She cited family obligations for the decision, writing "if I have to choose between building my tennis résumé and building my family, I choose the latter."
Vogue
She and Reddit co-founder, Alexis Ohanian, have a five-year-old daughter named Olympia.
CBC
Rather than retirement, Williams explained that she sees this as an "evolution" and will now look at expanding her investment firm Serena Ventures.
CNBC
Her tennis career has seen her achieve 23 grand slam singles titles, win four Olympic gold medals, and earn a total of $94M in prize money.
guardian
Williams reportedly intends to start her retirement after the US Open, which begins in late August and lasts into September.
CNBC

Sources Split

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CENTER

RIGHT

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CRIT

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ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Williams' upcoming retirement points to broader challenges that women face in the job market that see their earnings and job opportunities diminish once they start a family - something that even the most talented and successful women aren't immune to, as proven by this latest announcement.

Observer (NY)

Narrative B

No matter how skillful and dominant an athlete is, there's no escaping retirement; it's only a matter of time. While this next chapter is uncharted territory for Williams, it will be exciting to see what she moves on to next.