Debunking Myths About Tennis and Beyond: Serena Williams Sets the Record Straight

Serena Williams, one of the most legendary tennis players in history, has always been known for her powerful game and unapologetic attitude.

Over the years, she has not only redefined tennis but also challenged societal norms about women in sports.

In an exclusive interview with Glamour, Serena took a moment to debunk several myths about tennis and beyond, offering insight into her personal life, career, and the realities of being a professional athlete.

Here’s a deep dive into some of the myths she addressed and the truths behind them.

Myth 1: Tennis Players Hate “Wii Tennis”

One of the more humorous myths Serena tackled was the belief that professional tennis players despise “Wii Tennis.” While it’s a fun and interactive game for many, Serena had her own take.

She confessed that she personally doesn’t enjoy it much, admitting, “I work out so much on the court that I don’t really want to work out in my free time.”

Having spent countless hours running, hitting, and strategizing on real tennis courts, Serena’s response highlights the difference between playing for fun and playing professionally.

While she may not be a fan of “Wii Tennis,” Serena did express a preference for more laid-back gaming.

She enjoys games on her Game Boy where she can sit back and relax, in stark contrast to the active demands of her sport. “I like ‘Wii Fitness,’ though.

That’s fun,” Serena added, acknowledging that while virtual tennis might not be her thing, other gaming experiences can still offer entertainment without the physical strain.

Myth 2: You Have to Choose Between Sports and Family

The myth that athletes, particularly women, must choose between their career and family is one that Serena dismantled with grace and honesty. “At some point, you do have to choose if you want to have kids,” she explained, reflecting on her own journey of motherhood.

However, Serena’s decision to prioritize family, particularly her daughters, over her professional career challenges the idea that women have to sacrifice one for the other.

Serena shared how being a mother has become one of her greatest achievements. “I never thought I would say that, but just hanging out with my girls and spending time with them is an achievement,” she said, a sentiment many can relate to.

For Serena, showing up every day as a mother has surpassed even the greatest tennis victories.

Her comments provide a reminder that women can excel in both their professional and personal lives, without having to make painful sacrifices.

Myth 3: Tennis Players Make Good Pickleball Players

Another myth Serena addressed was the idea that all tennis players make great pickleball players.

While acknowledging the similarities between the two sports, she was quick to clarify that the skill sets are distinct.

“If you play good tennis, you could probably play pickleball really well,” she said, adding that tennis players often transition well into the sport.

However, she believes it’s harder to go in the other direction, suggesting that someone who plays pickleball may not automatically excel at tennis.

Pickleball has surged in popularity, especially among former tennis players, thanks to its smaller court size and quicker pace.

Yet, Serena made it clear that while the two sports share some elements, they are not interchangeable, and transitioning from one to the other isn’t always seamless.

Myth 4: You Can’t Wear Makeup While Playing Sports

Serena also debunked the myth that athletes cannot wear makeup while playing sports.

As someone who has always had a keen sense of style and beauty, Serena boldly stated, “You can wear all kinds of makeup.”

She even went a step further, sharing that her own makeup line, Wyn Beauty, was created with the goal of empowering women to feel powerful and beautiful, even while playing sports.

Serena’s own experiences as a tennis player and Olympic competitor have shown that you can be both powerful and polished.

She recalled her memorable experience at the Paris Olympics, where she took part in the opening ceremony while on a boat in the pouring rain.

Despite the weather conditions, her makeup stayed intact, a testament to the quality of her line.

Her message was clear: there’s no reason why women can’t look amazing while playing sports, and makeup doesn’t have to hinder athletic performance.

Myth 5: Singles Is Harder Than Doubles

When asked whether singles or doubles was more challenging, Serena took a moment to reflect.

While the common perception may be that singles is more difficult due to the pressure of playing alone, Serena explained that doubles presented its own unique challenges.

“In singles, if you make a mistake, it’s on you, but in doubles, it’s like, ‘Oh, I’m letting my partner down.’” For Serena, this pressure was particularly felt when playing alongside her sister Venus.

Some of Serena’s fondest memories on the tennis court came from playing doubles with Venus, including their three Olympic gold medals.

But she also fondly remembered moments where they lost a match, with Venus getting so upset on the court that Serena couldn’t stop laughing.

It’s this combination of fierce competition and sisterly bond that has defined their iconic doubles partnership.

Myth 6: You Can’t Play Tennis While Pregnant

Serena took the opportunity to debunk the myth that tennis players cannot play while pregnant.

Drawing on her own experience, she shared that she continued to play tennis while pregnant, even in the early stages. “I was nine weeks pregnant when I finished my season,” she revealed.

She clarified that if tennis is part of a person’s routine before pregnancy, there’s no reason why they can’t continue to play, as long as it’s safe and comfortable.

Serena’s own journey of playing through pregnancy has been an inspiration to many women, demonstrating that athletes can maintain their fitness and perform at a high level even during pregnancy.

Her openness in discussing this topic encourages women to continue pursuing their passions while prioritizing their health.

Myth 7: You Have to Wear Skirts to Play Tennis

Serena also debunked the idea that skirts are the best choice for playing tennis. While she admitted to enjoying the freedom and comfort of a skirt, she emphasized that it’s ultimately a personal preference.

Many players prefer shorts or other gear, depending on what makes them feel most comfortable and confident.

For Serena, tennis skirts are not just for the court; they’ve become a versatile wardrobe staple. “I wear my tennis skirt walking around the house, I wear it to work out, I wear it to the gym,” she laughed.

Similarly, Serena enjoys wearing tennis dresses for various occasions, even playing golf in them for their stylish yet functional design.

Conclusion: The Real Serena Williams

Throughout the interview, Serena Williams continued to break down barriers—not just in tennis, but in society’s expectations of female athletes.

Whether it’s debunking myths about the sport, revealing the truths about being a mother, or showing how beauty and sports can go hand-in-hand, Serena proves time and again that she’s more than just a tennis legend.

She’s a trailblazer in every sense, and her authenticity and relatability continue to inspire millions of fans around the world.

From dispelling misconceptions about tennis and sports to giving us a glimpse into her personal life, Serena Williams has proven that she’s not just a champion on the court—she’s also a role model for those who strive to break boundaries and live their truths.