Inside Serena Williams’ Health Journey

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As someone who’s dedicated my life to peak performance, both on and off the court, I’ve always believed in taking control of my health. After having my daughters, Olympia and Adira, I really wanted to get back to feeling my best. I tried everything – running, walking, my tennis training, and adjusting my diet – but it wasn’t enough. It became even more challenging after my second baby, and I realized I needed a different approach.

I eventually decided to explore GLP-1 medications, but honestly, I was hesitant at first. I thought, ‘That’s just not for me!’ But then I shifted my perspective. I started viewing it like a competitive match – an opponent I needed to outsmart. I realized I needed to accept help and tackle this challenge head-on, even if it meant trying something completely new.

Oh my gosh, Serena is just… incredible! She’s lost 31 pounds, *31 pounds*! And she finally opened up about what’s been going on. She said she wasn’t even sure she *would* talk about it, especially publicly, but she feels like it’s time to just be real and change how we talk about these things. It was in a video for Ro – you know, the company she works with, and her husband is on their board – but honestly, it doesn’t matter where she shares, it’s just amazing she’s being so open!

Throughout her tennis career, Serena Williams openly discussed her physical health, including the many injuries she sustained. In a 2022 article for *ELLE*, published before her retirement, she explained the toll the sport had taken on her body, detailing ankle rolls, knee problems, a taped Achilles heel, and even having to stop matches due to back spasms. She knew her body well, having experienced virtually every type of injury.

Serena also understood the importance of speaking up about her health. In 2011, she experienced a pulmonary embolism. Then, after giving birth to her daughter Olympia in 2017, she insisted to a nurse that she needed a CAT scan and blood thinner, fearing another embolism. Initially, her concerns were dismissed, but it turned out she was right.

“I had a blood clot in my lungs,” she revealed, “and they had to insert a filter into my veins to break it up before it reached my heart.”

After receiving treatment for a hematoma and blood clots – requiring three additional surgeries after her C-section – Serena Williams understands her experience isn’t universal. She highlighted a critical disparity in maternal health, stating that Black women in the U.S. are almost three times more likely to die during or after childbirth compared to white women, and many of these deaths are preventable. Williams emphasized that being taken seriously and receiving proper care saved her life, and believes outcomes would improve if the medical system truly listened to the concerns of all Black women.

This wasn’t the first time Serena faced a health issue. Last year, doctors removed a non-cancerous cyst from her neck. In a 2024 TikTok video, she described it as being “the size of a grapefruit.”

Serena Williams has been open about both her physical and mental health. In a recent Instagram post, she shared her own struggles, saying she’s faced challenges that tested her strength. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, explaining that it’s okay to take breaks and reconnect with yourself, even with something as simple as a quiet night in. As she turns 44, Serena continues to make self-care a priority, realizing that finding peace in letting go and living in the moment is valuable. She also noted that accepting endings can be better than beginnings. See photos of Serena throughout the years by continuing to read.

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2025-09-26 13:17