Serena Williams Withdraws in Australia, Shares Childbirth & Blood Clots Health Scare

 Serena Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open, saying ‘I’m not where I personally want to be’.

When Serena Williams withdrew from the Australian Open last week, after her loss in Abu Dhabi, some fans were concerned. Williams won the Australian Open last year, playing seven-months pregnant with her daughter Olympia. The Guardian reported:

“After competing in Abu Dhabi I realised that, although I am super close, I’m not where I personally want to be,” Williams said.

“My coach and team always said, ‘only go to tournaments when you are prepared to go all the way’. I can compete – but I don’t want to just compete, I want to do far better than that and to do so, I will need a little more time. Even though I am disappointed about it, I’ve decided not to compete in the Australian Open this year.

Serena Williams Covers US Vogue February 2018

Williams covers the February 2018 issue of Vogue, introducing us to daughter Olympia and an explanation of significant health issues associated with the birth of her daughter. It's totally clear now why healing time is a critical priority for this superstar athlete. 

Related: For Serena Williams, Childbirth Was a Harrowing Ordeal. She's Not Alone. New York Times