‘Cried Big Tears’ – 9 Months After Serena Williams’ Last Dance, Emotional Confession Brings to Light the Real Impact of Her Ground-Breaking Legacy on Closed Ones

Serena Williams‘ retirement was one of the most noteworthy events of 2022 across sports, not just tennis. The 23-time major champion picked up the racket for one last time at the US Open 2022. She was nearing the final stages of her career, but the people close to her were not prepared for this announcement. Months after the legend’s retirement, the confessions from the fans kept flowing on how they handled her retirement news.

Amidst all the confessions, one stood out and it was Serena Williams’ PR manager, Briannon Kelly. She expressed what she went through during the legend’s retirement.

Serena Williams’ PR manager opens up on the legend’s retirement

For someone who had only been in the PR industry for four years, Briannon Kelly had worked with plenty of superstars. But Serena Williams held a special place in her heart. Despite joining Williams’ team during the twilight of her career, Kelly was extremely attached to the legend. She revealed her emotions in a recent podcast with Tyler Inspires.

Kelly said, “I am not a crier, but I cried (laughs). I cried big tears. During her whole entire campaign because it just felt so good to speak.

She further revealed how much it meant to her working with a black athlete. “I am a black woman. I am very passionate about working alongside black people in general and to be a voice in the space that I am in. To basically acknowledge our presence, to acknowledge our fineness, to acknowledge how elite we are as a people. And to be honoured with working with Serena Williams for an amazing and major time that it was.”

Considering Serena’s incredible achievements, both on and off the court, along with millions of her fans, several present day stars on the ATP and WTA Tours have also been inspired by the ‘Queen of the Court’.

A generation of players inspired by Serena

A lot of the current generation ATP and WTA players have expressed how Williams inspired them to pick up a racket. The likes of Naomi Osaka and Frances Tiafoe fall under this special list. Osaka said via BBC, “She changed the sport so much. She’s introduced people that have never heard of tennis into the sport. I think I’m a product of what she’s done”

READ MORE: Serena Williams’ Harrowing Retirement In-Front of a Teary New York Crowd Bags ‘Heart-Breaking Moment of the Year’ at ES Awards 2022

Frances Tiafoe is one of the biggest fans of Serena Williams. He has never failed to express his admiration for the 23-time major champion. During Williams’ farewell tournament at the US Open 2022, he wore the ‘Serena Williams GOAT’ sweatshirt to all his matches. After his round 3 win over Diego Schwartzman at the US Open 2022, he famously said,” There would be no Frances Tiafoe without Serena Williams.”

Can you name the other players who were inspired to get into professional tennis because of Serena? Let us know in the comments.

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