'I just needed to stop' - Serena Williams opens up about retiring at US Open, Venus adds thoughts

Serena Williams has opened up about retiring at US Open and the reasons behind that decision, while her sister Venus added a few thoughts. The 23-time Grand Slam champion bowed out after a spectacular send-off as she lost in the third round to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic at Flushing Meadows in New York. Ad While the 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 defeat has seemingly brought Williams’ illustrious tennis career to an end, she has hinted that it would be possible for her to return at some point.

Tennis'Unravelling fast!' — Did Bublik deserve boos for trick shot in final?9 MINUTES AGO For now, though, she has explained that she is ready to move away from playing tennis. “I just needed to stop,” she said in the 'History Talks' interview, as quoted by Vanity Fair. “I always said I wanted to stop when I’m playing really good tennis and winning and beating good players.

«For me, it’s really about things I want to do spiritually and spending time with my daughter and family. “As a super hands-on mom, I can’t tell you how hard it was. I lost so many matches after I had Olympia because it was so hard to be on the court.

»I feel like I’ve given so much of my life to tennis, my entire life, that it’s time to do something different for me and also work on other things. “When you’re on the inside, you can’t see it. It’s completely different when you’re involved.” She added: “I feel like if I want to come back, I definitely can still come back.” Exclusive: Ljubicic reveals what coaching Federer is like, says 'he is not going anywhere' 'Tom Brady started an amazing trend' — Serena fails to rule out comeback Exclusive: 'It’s been a wonderful journey' — Federer reflects on Laver Cup farewell Venus added when asked about the fact that she and her