Serena Williams’ Slow Path Toward Retirement Starting With WTA Finals Withdrawal

Serena Williams insists she has no immediate plans to retire. Yet she appears to have begun a gradual walk toward the final phase of her tennis career while amping up the next chapter in her life. 

Earlier this week, Williams announced she was withdrawing from the WTA Tour’s finals in Singapore. This marks the second year in a row that she closed out her season at the U.S. Open. 

Meanwhile, she’s been seen on the runway at New York fashion week, in Milan for Giorgio Armani, playing on clay in formalwear near the French Riviera and recently on stage at a Beyonce concert. 

She may not be ready to bow out, but 2017 could be the start of an extended curtain call. 

Williams played in just eight tournaments in 2016, the fewest since 2011, the season she returned after two foot surgeries and a pulmonary embolism. 

Before losing in the third round of the Rio Summer Olympics, Williams told AFP (via the National) that she had no immediate plans for retirement:

“I love what I do every day and enjoy being on the court. I enjoy competing. I just don’t see a time when I say I don’t want to do this anymore.”

Melissa Isaacson of ESPNW wrote in June that Williams’ subtle descent from dominance began after her stunning loss to Roberta Vinci in the semifinals of the 2015 U.S. Open. 

“We didn’t realize it at the time, but a heartbroken Williams’ missed shot …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com