What Happened to Serena Williams?

Serena Williams, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, announced her "evolution" away from professional tennis in August 2022, playing her final match at the US Open. This decision marked a significant turning point, allowing her to dedicate more time to her family and burgeoning business interests, a shift she had been planning for years. Williams emphasized that she preferred the term "evolution" over "retirement," signaling a transition to new, equally important chapters in her life, particularly focusing on motherhood and her entrepreneurial ventures.

Central to Williams' post-tennis career is Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm she founded in 2014. The firm's mission is to support diverse, creative founders, with a strong emphasis on investing in companies led by women and underrepresented groups. By 2022, Serena Ventures had raised an inaugural fund of $111 million, and its portfolio boasts investments in over 85 companies, with 79% founded by underrepresented individuals, including 54% women and 47% Black founders. Williams has noted that approximately 14 brands within her portfolio have achieved unicorn status, demonstrating her astute business acumen and commitment to fostering an inclusive economy.

Beyond Serena Ventures, Williams has launched and invested in several other businesses. In December 2022, she introduced Will Perform, a pain relief and performance care brand aimed at revolutionizing post-workout recovery. This was followed by the launch of Wyn Beauty in 2024, a makeup line designed for active lifestyles and formulated with a focus on deeper skin tones, with a portion of profits supporting maternal care services. Her business portfolio also includes co-ownership stakes in various sports teams, such as Angel City F.C., the Los Angeles Golf Club, and the Miami Dolphins, further solidifying her influence across the sports and business landscapes. In September 2025, she became a global ambassador for Ro, a health company, and launched the "Stockton Street" podcast with her sister Venus.

Williams' personal life has also seen significant developments. She and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, welcomed their second daughter, Adira River Ohanian, in August 2023, joining their elder daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., born in 2017. Family time has become a central focus, with Williams frequently sharing moments with her daughters, including embarking on a global tour to visit the Seven Wonders of the World in August 2025.

Despite her clear pivot to business and family, speculation about a potential tennis comeback has persisted. In December 2025, reports emerged that Williams had applied for reinstatement to the WTA Tour, and by February 2026, she was officially eligible to play professional tennis again after re-entering the International Tennis Integrity Agency's drug testing pool. However, Williams swiftly denied these rumors, stating, "I'm NOT coming back." As of May 2026, she continues to maintain her focus on her diverse ventures and family, making high-profile public appearances such as the 2026 Met Gala, where she showcased a metallic Marc Jacobs gown. Her estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately $350 million, a testament to her enduring legacy both on and off the court.