‘They’re Not Gonna Make Me Win’- When Serena Williams Quashed Rumors of Having Rituals to Win Grand Slams

Serena Williams is one of the most renowned athletes in the sporting world. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has spent over 25 years in the sport. Therefore, people often believe that like Rafael Nadal, she must also have developed some on-court rituals.

It is only fair to assume that some things become a habit when done repeatedly. Also, many professionals find comfort in initiating a match in a familiar way. However, Williams doesn’t believe in harboring such factors. In fact, during her playing days, she tried to get rid of such unintentional habits.

Serena Williams about having specific in-match customs

Williams, while making a comeback after welcoming her firstborn, Olympia, spoke about having rituals and shared her thoughts regarding the same. She said, “I really try to break every ritual because like they’re not gonna make me win.”

“So sometimes when I return, I purposely do things different just to clear my brain out of that habit,” the former World No.1 added.

Read more: ‘I Have No Choice Now’ – Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Takes On a Huge Task Owing to Daughter Olympia’s Order

Williams clinched her 23rd major trophy at the Australian Open in 2017 and took a break due to her pregnancy. She tied the knot with Alexis Ohanian, and welcomed Olympia the same year. Following that, she made a comeback at Indian Wells in 2018.

Williams’ last comeback in tennis

The seven-time Wimbledon champion, after incurring a gruesome hamstring injury during last year’s event, made a comeback in this season’s grass-court swing. She enrolled for the doubles at Eastbourne International to oil her skills for a singles return in Wimbledon.

Williams risked her protected ranking to touch the milestone of 100 match wins in London. However, she failed to get past her opening round opponent, Harmony Tan. The French star got the better of the 23-time major winner on Centre Court.

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Following the Wimbledon Championships, the 41-year-old moved out of the rankings for the first time in 25 years. Thereafter, Williams tested herself in the WTA 1000 events of the American swing and hung her racket in the last Grand Slam event of the season.