‘I’m Really Shy’ – Serena Williams Once Openly Revealed the Reason for Not Meeting Olympic Legend Michael Phelps

Serena Williams sometimes forgets that she herself is one of the legends in the sporting world. The 23-time Grand Slam champion, owing to her down-to-earth nature, rarely puts herself on the same pedestal as her idols.

Further, Williams, who is famous for her outspoken nature, is extremely shy around people whom she admires. A very interesting example of this dates back to the 2012 London Olympics when she herself admitted to a surprising fact.

Serena Williams about meeting Michael Phelps

After winning her first singles Olympics gold medal against Maria Sharapova, Williams spoke about how she never mustered up the courage to speak to her Olympics idol, Michael Phelps. She said, “No, I’ve never met him. I was in the [Olympic] Village the other day and I passed by him, and I’m really shy. And he didn’t see me, so …”

Thereafter, she addressed her will to see him if not in London, then in the next Olympic event. As she said, “Rio, that’s where I’ll go. I need to get there, Rio.” We hope the former world no.1 got the chance to speak to the Olympic legend.

Read more: ‘More of My Life Now’ – Serena Williams’ Genuine Admission on Enjoying Life Outside the Tennis Court

Michael Phelps is an American competitive swimmer who is the most successful and decorated Olympian of all times. He has won 28 medals in total and has the highest number of gold medals (23) to his name.

Who is Williams’ first opponent?

Serena Williams will make a comeback to singles after a year out of the circuit. She walked out of the first round of the Wimbledon Championship last year due to a hamstring injury.

Last week she oiled her skills alongside Ons Jabeur in the grass courts of Eastbourne and now is ready to lock horns with her first opponent of Wimbledon. The former World No.1 will face the 24-year-old French tennis professional Harmony Tan in the first round.

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Even so, the American has a significant chance of dominating the game as Tan hasn’t played in the major draws of the event earlier. However, this will be her first encounter with the 8 ITF singles title winner. They will grace the green courts of Wimbledon on Tuesday 28th June.