Saturday, September 12, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Serena Williams to Retire from Tennis, Focus on Business Empire

  • The tennis legend characterized this phase of her life as an “evolution.”
  • Williams’ VC firm has invested in over 60 companies, with 16 valued at more than $1B.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It looks like one of the greatest athletes in history will be soon calling it a career.

On Tuesday, Serena Williams said in a feature story for Vogue that she will retire from tennis, likely after the upcoming U.S. Open.

The 40-year-old was reluctant to use the word “retirement,” however, characterizing this phase of her life as an “evolution.”

Williams’ on-court accomplishments are legendary in the sport. Now, she’ll look to expand on her off-court success.

  • Her VC firm, Serena Ventures, has invested in over 60 startups, with 16 valued at more than $1B, including MasterClass, Tonal, and Impossible Foods.
  • She is a part-owner of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the NWSL’s Angel City FC.
  • Williams has been one of Nike’s flagship athletes since 2004, and the company opened a building in her name on its Oregon campus in April.
  • Forbes estimates her net worth at $260M.

Williams said in the Vogue article that investing in women-owned businesses has been and will continue to be a priority going forward.

While much of her time will be spent building her business empire, Williams also plans to focus on her family.

After mentioning that she was two months pregnant with her daughter Olympia when she won the 2017 Australian Open, she implied that she and husband Alexis Ohanian are looking to expand their family in the near future.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Rybakina Wins First US Open Title, World No. 1, and $5.5M

The 27-year-old will officially become No. 1 in the world on Monday.
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 9, 2026 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz fells during his quarter-final match against Ben Shelton of the U.S. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

No Quick Fixes Coming for US Open’s Late Nights

While Wimbledon has a curfew, the other three majors don’t want one.

Taylor Fritz’s Latest Ball Complaint: Retail Ones Are ‘Miserable’

Fritz was knocked out of the US Open in the third round.
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 5, 2026 General view of fans outside Arthur Ashe stadium

Luxe US Open Is About to Get $800M Grander

The upgrades could enlarge a class divide among attending fans.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with NFL RedZone Host Scott Hanson on Season 18, Ads and the ESPN Merger

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”

US Open Ticket Prices Collapse for First Men’s Semifinal

The get-in for Zverev-Khachanov dipped below $30 Friday morning.
September 8, 2026

Puka Nacua Remains Eligible for Rams Australia Opener

His disciplinary case is still under review.
September 9, 2026

Late-Night Shelton-Alcaraz Thriller Raises Questions for US Open

Alcaraz and Shelton’s match ended at 3:34 a.m. ET.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Sep 5, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; New York Yankees Aaron Judge (99) watches play during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres.
September 8, 2026

Yankees Ticket Prices Rise as Judge Returns

One of MLB’s top fan attractions is returning to action.
September 7, 2026

Charlie Woods Signs NIL Deal With TaylorMade Golf

Woods has already been mostly using TaylorMade equipment.
September 6, 2026

Williams Sisters Avoid Fines for Skipping US Open Press Conference

The duo has skipped press obligations before.
Aug 6, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Jessica Pegula (USA) reacts after winning the first set against Kamilla Rakhimova (UZB) during third round play at Sobeys Stadium.
September 2, 2026

Pegula: Influencers Have Become ‘A Little Too Much’ at US Open

Pegula said she also can appreciate what influencers can bring to the sport.