Serena Williams is an icon, whose legend goes far beyond the sport she dominated for 27 years. 

And in retirement, which she announced in 2022, that notion has not relented.

Seeking to continue inspiring and uplifting the next generation with her presence, this latest interview outlines just that, as she speaks about her new brand and how it relates to tennis.

However, in seeking to market the organisation, she also offered some juicy insight into her career.

Serena Williams reveals the reasons behind her retirement

Speaking to Byrdie, in an effort to shed some light on her brand WYN Beauty, the former world number one briefly touched upon her stunning career, whilst attempting to maintain the focus elsewhere.

However, it often became impossible, given how intertwined this makeup brand is with the sport.

It is the tool that she wishes she had had during her playing days, when rushing about in-between matches seeking to apply lipstick or eyeliner before entering the press room.

An inspiration both on and off the court, throughout the interview she offered tidbits about her career and what led her down certain paths.

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However, by far the most interesting was her reasons for retiring, as she noted: ‘I love sports and being active.

Leaving something I was still good at to be a mom was such a difficult decision. But I wanted another kid, so I had to do that. Now it’s about finding balance and doing other things I’ve always loved.’

A typically brave move from a truly inspirational individual.

It’s easy to forget just how good Serena Williams was

Recency bias is a very easy trap to fall into at times, especially when witnessing present-day greatness with your very own eyes.

And whilst the likes of Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka are destined to write themselves in the history books with their exploits, it is expected that few will even come close to the levels set by Williams.

Given she retired nearly two years ago now, it is actually easy to forget just how dominant she was at her peak, and thus just how impossibly high the standards she posted were.

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Kicking off her magnificent career with her 1999 US Open title, a first Grand Slam, the 42-year-old would then go on to claim a further 22, and upon retiring she now sits third on the all-time list for majors won of both men and women.

And not only was she an unstoppable force at her peak, but her physique actually ushered in a new era of athleticism on the WTA.

A trendsetting, trailblazing superstar who transcended the sport due to her supremacy, it is probably best for tennis that she is no longer playing. After all, were you to drop Williams into almost any generation in her prime, it would be game over for everyone else. She was that good.