I’m retiring from tennis — Serena Williams announces

American tennis star, Serena Williams, 40, says she is retiring from the sport.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles winner made the announcement in an emotional statement posted on IG on Tuesday, August 9.

Speaking in the latest issue of Vogue magazine, she said: “I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me. But I’ve been reluctant to admit to myself or anyone else that I have to move on from playing tennis. Alexis, my husband, and I have hardly talked about it; it’s like a taboo topic.

I can’t even have this conversation with my mom and dad. It’s like it’s not real until you say it out loud. It comes up, I get an uncomfortable lump in my throat, and I start to cry. The only person I’ve really gone there with is my therapist.

It’s the hardest thing that I could ever imagine. I don’t want it to be over, but at the same time I’m ready for what’s next.”

?: @voguemagazine