'We have to hide ourselves': Serena Williams fiercely calls out WTA for silencing powerful female athletes
Among the most successful tennis players ever, Serena Williams retired in September 2022 following the US Open in New York. In women's tennis, several young stars including Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, have emerged ever since.
Both are among the most well-known WTA Tour players right now having taken home several Grand Slams. But Serena recently said something very strong about how today's players behave and how the WTA culture has changed. She believes women are being too quiet about their success.
Serena Williams says women should not hide their confidence
In July 2025, Serena Williams gave an interview during a media event hosted by Reckitt, a health brand she works with. The interview was published across U.S.
media platforms, including People Magazine and Today Show. During the interview, Serena said that female players today should not be afraid to say they are the best.
She said,
'It's okay to scream that I am the best at this… We don't really celebrate ourselves enough. We have to hide ourselves or we have to just, kind of, almost dummy down who we are.'
Serena Williams believes women players are scared to show how good they are, and that needs to change. She explained that during her career, she always showed confidence and never felt guilty about being great. She wants today's stars to feel the same way.
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Coco Gauff opens up about confidence after winning French Open 2025
One of the players: Serena had 20-year-old Coco Gauff in mind, perhaps. After defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the finals, she won the 2025 French Open in Paris on June 8. Her second Grand Slam triumph was that. Still, Gauff had a tough year previous to that.
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Earlier in May she lost two significant finals in Madrid and Rome, which undermined her confidence. In a press conference for the WTA after her French Open win, Gauff remarked.
She said, 'I'm someone who strives for perfection… I've been working on finding balance. You're not going to win every tournament.'
Regrettably, her following Wimbledon match resulted in a first-round loss in London on July 1. Still, Coco Gauff claims she has faith in herself and will rebound vigorously for the 2025 US Open starting August 26 in New York.
FAQs
When did Serena Williams retire?
She retired in September 2022 after the US Open.
What did Coco Gauff win in 2025?
She won the French Open on June 8, 2025.
What did Serena say about WTA culture?
She said players shouldn't 'dummy down who we are' and must celebrate themselves more.
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