Sports-Obsessed Serena Williams Pivots to a Surprising New Workout as She Adjusts to Life After Tennis

Athletes tend to have a laser focus on their health, so it’s no surprise that Serena Williams has leaned into a new sport in retirement.
After 23 Grand Slam wins and a laser focus on tennis for nearly three decades, it’s understandable that Serena Williams would feel a little lost after retiring. However, the sports icon is embracing a new health-focused journey now that she’s retired from her 27-year professional tennis career. In addition to her many business ventures and parenting two daughters, she’s somehow found time to explore a new athletic endeavor.
Serena Williams after being defeated by Ajla Tomlijanovic at the 2022 U.S. Open | Eduardo MunozAlvarez/VIEWpress; ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
The average person often struggles with retirement. A full-time profession requires structure and perseverance. Retirement opens up a world of possibilities, for better or worse. When Williams announced her retirement in September 2022, the six-time U.S. Open champion made it her goal to become ever fitter. She turned to running. Now, the 43-year-old’s goal is to complete a half marathon by the end of 2025.
Serena Williams and Alicia Keys at the 2024 U.S. Open in Queens, New York City | Jean Catuffe/GC Images
As Williams told People, “I’ve become more obsessed with diet and exercise now than I was during my tennis career.” In her prime, the seven-time Wimbledon winner would burn “20,000 calories a day” — a seemingly wild amount until you consider her extensive training program. Now, Williams is using a continuous glucose monitor called Lingo to help her monitor her health and burn calories appropriately.
Serena Williams and her daughter Olympia Ohanian at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games | Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
“I miss tennis like crazy,” Williams stated to People. “I’m trying to compete — not compete, rephrase — trying to do a half-marathon. That’s my new goal. So it’s just like I have to do something competitive.” However, the Serena Williams Fund founder explained that her No. 1 priority will always be her family.
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018 | IAN WEST/AFP via Getty Images
“As a woman, I had to make different choices that I probably wouldn’t have had to make if I were a guy, but that’s okay, I love that,” Williams stated. “I love that I chose my family and I want to be around them every single day of my life. And I try to do that, and I just figure I want to be the GOAT at something else. And for me, that’s being a mom right now.”
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian at the 2019 Met Gala | Mike Coppola/MG19/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Serena Williams found a surprising partner in tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian. They met in 2015 while staying at the same hotel in Rome. In December 2016, the Reddit cofounder proposed at the same place they first met. The couple married in a stunning New Orleans ceremony in November 2017, shortly after welcoming their first child, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.
Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, and their daughter Adira River at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 | Karwai Tang/WireImage
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Serena and Alexis are deeply committed to family life. They welcomed their second daughter, Adira, in 2023. Known for balancing their careers with parenthood, Serena embraces a grounded approach to raising their daughters. She often shares insights on parenting while prioritizing health, fitness, and family.