Despite Already Achieving GOAT Status, Serena Williams Once Sulked for Two Days Straight Over a Shock Exit – ‘I Had a Complete Breakdown’

American tennis great Serena Williams retired recently with several impressive records. The 41-year-old has achieved almost everything in her illustrious career. Her 23 Grand Slam titles make her the greatest modern-day tennis player.

However, there are a few more things she would have liked to achieve. One of them was her 24th Grand Slam title, which would have brought her on a par with Margaret Court’s all time record. While Serena had an early exit in her last tournament, she was still happy with her performance. However, during her heyday on the WTA Tour, if Serena exited early, it used to become a talking point. Early exit affected her differently back then. Like in 2012, when it happened, Serena was devastated. Here’s what she did next.

When Serena Williams lost in the first round at Roland Garros

In 2012, Serena started her tour as the overwhelming favorite for winning the Australian Open. She started well and made it to the fourth round, where she crashed out after a shock defeat. However, probably the biggest blow of her career came in the next Grand Slam. Playing in the French Open, she lost her first-round match against Virginie Razzano.

It was the first time in her career that she lost her very first match at a Grand Slam. It had a severe impact on her. Her half-sister, Isha Price, later revealed how Serena felt after that match.

“”To not be able to come through was something that was alien and something she hadn’t experienced before. She didn’t know what to do with those feelings,” Isha said. Serena sobbed on her way back with her hitting partner, Sascha Bajin. For the next two days she didn’t leave her apartment. Later, Serena also admitted to having a bad time coping with the situation. “I had a complete breakdown,” Serena admitted.

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The perfect record Serena had before the match was something that created a lot of pressure on her. While the loss was devastating, it also cleared her mind. Later that year, Serena clinched the Wimbledon and US Open titles to stamp her supremacy all over again. She also had the title run in WTA Finals.

Serena and Venus get another honor

Over the years, sisters Serena and Venus Williams have ruled the court. While Venus is a legend herself, Serena is arguably the best tennis player the US has ever produced. Owing to their immense contribution to the game and the glory they brought to their nation, the Williams sisters recently earned another honor.

Both Serena and Vernus were among the seven entrants to the National Portrait Gallery this year. This means that the gallery will now have their legacy protected for years to come.

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Serena Williams, in particular, was happy that the artist has shown her smiling in the portrait, as it represents her happy and fun side. She also believes that it will help break the stereotype that African-American women are always serious.