Serena Williams shared a candid update with fans on September 16, admitting she went through a “difficult August” and has been taking time to focus on her mental health. In an Instagram post, the tennis icon said she’s “learning to let go,” while reminding followers that it’s okay to pause and take care of themselves.
Serena Williams On Mental Health And Well-Being
In her post, Serena appeared in front of a bookshelf wearing a striking red dress, writing candidly about her struggles. “Dearest gentle reader, my summer started out well but I was plunged into a difficult August. Like many of you, I faced challenges that tested my spirit and resilience,” she said.
She continued: “Life can sometimes feel overwhelming and it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters—your mental health and well-being. I took some time away to breathe, to reconnect with myself, and to remember that it’s perfectly okay to pause and reconnect. Even if it’s just a quiet night to yourself. Anything counts.”
Serena, 43, admitted she’s “learning to let go” and living “one moment at a time,” though she did not specify what caused her recent struggles. She signed off with a lighter note, writing, “The only thing I’m dealing with in this moment here is how good this dress looks against first editions.”
The Williams Sisters Launch Stockton Street Podcast
The heartfelt post comes just as Serena prepares to launch a new project with her sister Venus Williams: a podcast called “Stockton Street.”
Debuting on September 17 on X with bi-weekly episodes, the series will give the sisters a chance to reflect on their lives, their careers, and their unbreakable bond.
“As close as we are, we had to keep so many things distant because of our jobs,” Serena told The Hollywood Reporter. “As much as she’s my sister, she’s also my opponent, and you can’t be as open as you want to be. So this is a real opportunity to do something that we’ve been trying to do, and also just a discovery thing as well.”
Venus, who recently returned to the WTA Tour after a 16-month absence, echoed the sentiment. “We don’t necessarily coddle each other. We weren’t coddled in life. And we want to give that sort of tough love, not only to each other, but that we had to give to ourselves. Life is very real. So the message has to be real.”
Between Serena’s record 23 major singles titles and the 14 doubles Grand Slam trophies the sisters won together, their careers have inspired generations. With “Stockton Street,” they now hope to inspire fans in a new way — by sharing their truth.
