Extent of ‘Individual Pressure’ Faced by Serena Williams Even After Her Motherhood Laid Bare by the Legend’s Iconic Agent – ‘Complete Disaster’

Serena Williams has solidified her position as a legend of the sport after her majestic career. The Queen of the Court won many titles, which made her a fan favorite. But not all good things come without some issues. As Williams kept winning during her prime, a different kind of pressure kept building up and crept into the back of her mind. Her former agent recently revealed how her career had a negative impact on her mind.

The information shared by her former agent is corroborated when one looks back at what personalities close to Serena Williams have stated about her in the past. Her former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, also talked about the pressure Williams faced in 2021. Despite being an extremely popular athlete, Williams’ story is yet not fully told. 

Former agent on the pressure faced by Serena Williams

In an exclusive with ESPN, where they invite and talk to women who are prominent figures in sports, Jill Smoller, a former agent of Serena Williams, talked about their time together. While discussing the time when she worked closely with Williams, Smoller also talked about the mental stress that the 23-time grand slam champion faces. 

Sometimes, the feeling of satisfaction is gained by reaching expectations rather than just winning. Smoller said, “I don’t think people look at the amount of pressure that’s been on; I think, I always say Serena uniquely as an athlete is, probably had more individual pressure than anyone who’s played because, for the longest time, anything but her winning wasn’t enough. And even when you look back at four Grand Slam finals, post-baby would be spectacular for anybody, but for her, a complete disaster and how you help people manage the pressure.”People don’t bother to consider the true reality of players. They just concern themselves with the results and form their shortsighted opinion based on it. Knowing the life of Williams, Smoller understands her mental pressure. 

Additionally, Smoller talked about how the situation has improved for the athletes of today. She said, “And again, I think the athletes of today have so much more opening to be themselves. But the ability to Serena and Venus came up at a time, and I think a lot of people came up at a time where can you imagine them saying I’m struggling?” True fans must carry the responsibility of factoring all the aspects of their idol’s life.

Before Smoller’s interview, many tennis personalities who have been close to Serena Williams talked about the pressure that she faced regularly. One such prominent figure was her former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou.

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Former coach of Serena Williams talks about the mental stress of being the Queen of the Court

In October 2021, Patrick Mouratoglou, who was the coach of Williams for a decade, opened up about the mental stress Williams faces daily. He first talked about the incredible journey he has had with her. Mouratoglou also talked about how the mother of two felt more responsibility to win since she gave birth to Olympia. 

Mouratoglou further talked about how Williams’ endeavors have enabled thousands of women around the world to pursue tennis. As per him, she felt the pressure from the world. However, inspiring a whole generation of players dulls the pain. Serena Williams serves as an idol to many worldwide, and she has been able to do so because she constantly fought with the stress of having high expectations. Now, she can reap the benefits of her hard work. 

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