‘One of the Main Reasons I’m Still Playing’: Serena Williams Makes a Damning Statement About Tiger Woods

It is no secret that the bond that Serena Williams has with Tiger Woods is strong. Both stars can be seen cheering for each other in their respective sporting events, with the most recent being the 2022 US Open. After her win in the 2nd round, Serena thanked Tiger for playing a key role in her return to the sport.

Serena Williams is currently competing at the US Open, after which the 40-year-old will retire from the sport. The Tennis star has broken records and won 23 Grand Slams, which exhibits her achievements on the court.

Because of her retirement announcement, top celebrities and athletes from different sports can be spotted at the Arthur Ashe Stadium backing her. Among the many is her close friend and golf legend, Tiger Woods. But the bond is a lot more rigid than one may be aware of. Let’s take a look at how Woods helped Serena in her return.

Serena Williams praises Tiger Woods

After defeating Estonian second seed, Anett Kontaveit 7-6 2-6 6-2, Serena Williams advanced to the third round of the US Open in what could be the last singles competition of her profession. Williams was supported and cheered for each point by the packed home crowd. That included Woods, who watched the show unfold with Serena’s sister, Venus Williams.

After watching his friend breeze through to the third round, Tiger tweeted, “It was a privilege to watch greatness. Congrats @serenawilliams”. Later, the tennis star paid tribute to the golfer and praised him for the influence he has in the later stages of her career.

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Serena Williams said, “He’s one of the reasons I’m here, one of the main reasons I’m still playing”. She further added, “We talked a lot. He was really trying to get me motivated. There are a few people, but we were like: ‘OK, we can do this together, you know?’”

The bond between the tennis legend and the golf legend depicts the respect they share for each other. Moreover, this isn’t the first time Tiger advised the 40-year-old. Serena. She disclosed in her Vogue interview the motivating words Woods conveyed to her that helped her to return to the sport.

Woods’ inspiring words help Williams in returning to the court

Ahead of the 2022 US Open, Serena’s interview with Vogue caught a lot of attention. Apart from her announcing her retirement in the interview, the tennis star also shared the major role of Tiger Woods player in her career. There was a time when Serena considered retiring, but inspiring words from Woods helped the 23-time Grand Slam winner in returning to the court.

Serena said, “He’s Tiger, and he was adamant that I be a beast the same way he is! He said, ‘Serena, what if you just gave it two weeks? You don’t have to commit to anything. You just go out on the court every day for two weeks and give it your all and see what happens.’ I said, ‘All right, I think I can do that.’ ”

It reportedly took the tennis legend another month before adhering to Tiger Woods’ advice and getting back to the court. Presently, in the last dance of her professional career, Serena’s dearest friend was right close by in the mission for her 24th Grand Slam.

Serena Williams will face the Australian, Ajla Tomljanović, in the third round. With each game being viewed as the final game of her vocation, Williams will doubtlessly give everything to win the memorable 24th Gram Slam title.

How far will Serena Williams go in the 2022 US Open? Let us know in the comments section below!

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