Serena Williams Draws Parallels Between Zendaya's 'Challengers' and Roger Federer's Family

Wimbledon Winners Party 2009, Serena Williams Roger Federer

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Serena Williams felt a connection to tennis legend Roger Federer and his wife, Mirka, while watching Zendaya’s latest movie Challengers.

In a recent review for Vogue, posted on April 26, Williams, 42, shared her thoughts on how the competitive tennis world portrayed in the film resonated with her. The story follows Zendaya's character, Tashi, and her relationships with Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh O’Connor).

Art and Tashi's relationship in the film reminded me of how many male tennis players rely heavily on their wives and girlfriends. For example, Roger Federer used to practice with his wife, Mirka, and they were inseparable.

I noticed that isolation is a common issue in men's tennis, especially among the top players. Even I was codependent on my sister Venus at the beginning of our careers.

"It's interesting that the movie was able to capture some of that experience," she said, referring to the feeling of loneliness and dependence on the team's opinions when you're at the top.

Serena expressed empathy for O'Connor's character, mentioning that she has seen similar struggles before, with some players even ending up living in their cars. However, she was most irritated by Tashi, whom she described as simply "mean."

Serena could relate to certain aspects of the character. She mentioned, "Being really competitive means making tough decisions, even in your dating life. You need to find someone who truly gets you."

Serena is no stranger to balancing personal life and career priorities. With a successful career boasting 23 Grand Slam titles and four Olympic gold medals, she retired from tennis in 2022 to focus on spending quality time with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their daughter, Olympia, who is now 6 years old. (The family recently welcomed their second daughter, Adira, in August 2023.)

Serena recently shared in a Vogue essay that she is shifting her focus away from tennis towards other priorities. She admitted that she has been hesitant to acknowledge the need to move on from the sport, even with her husband Alexis. The topic has become a sensitive issue that she has not even discussed with her parents. Saying goodbye to tennis has been a difficult realization for her.

Zendaya Aces Her Role in Tennis Love Triangle Film Challengers

"I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and a family," Williams said. She expressed that she felt it was unfair, mentioning that if she were a guy, she would be out playing and winning while her wife would be taking care of expanding their family. Williams even joked that she might be more like Tom Brady if she had that same opportunity.

Since leaving the court, Williams has been focusing on new ventures. She recently entered the world of cosmetics with Wyn Beauty, a makeup brand specifically designed for athletes to look their best even under tough conditions. In addition, she also launched Will Perform, a wellness brand that offers products like magnesium lotion and pain relief gel.

On the other hand, Federer announced his retirement from tennis shortly after Serena. The 20-time Grand Slam champion made this decision due to a series of injuries. After undergoing two knee surgeries in 2020, he returned to the sport in the following year but had to withdraw from the Australian Open and French Open to recover. Another knee surgery in August 2021 led to his withdrawal from the U.S. Open.

"As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries," the athlete shared in a heartfelt message on Instagram in September 2022. "I've put in a lot of effort to get back to my full competitive level. But I also understand my body's capabilities and limitations, and it's been telling me clearly recently."

He went on to say, "I am 41 years old. I have played over 1,500 matches in the span of 24 years. Tennis has been incredibly kind to me, more than I ever imagined, and now I must acknowledge when it's time to bring my competitive career to a close."

Federer expressed his gratitude towards his wife Mirka, aged 46, and their four children for their unwavering support throughout the years. The couple tied the knot in 2009 and are proud parents to two sets of twins: Myla and Charlene, aged 14, and Leo and Lenny, aged 9.

He shared, "Watching my family cheering me on from the stands is a moment I will always treasure."

Challengers is in theaters now.

Editor's P/S:

Serena Williams's review of "Challengers" highlights the complexities of navigating personal and professional relationships in the competitive world of tennis. She draws parallels between the film's characters and her own experiences, emphasizing the reliance of male tennis players on their partners and the isolation often faced by those at the top. Williams's empathy for the struggles portrayed in the film underscores the challenges faced by athletes in balancing their personal lives with their demanding careers.

The article also delves into Williams's own journey, her retirement from tennis, and her transition into new ventures. By sharing her experiences and reflecting on her feelings about leaving the sport, Williams provides a glimpse into the challenges and emotions that come with making such a significant life change. Her comments about the unfairness she faced as a woman and her desire to have both a career and a family resonate with many who have faced similar choices.