23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams admits that she was ‘in a funk’ last week because she felt like she wasn’t a god mum in a emotional post written on Instagram.
Williams, 36, has opened up about the difficulties she is experiencing in motherhood. Last week she crashed out in the first round of the Silicon Valley Classic in San Jose Open to Johanna Konta. Losing 6-1, 6-0, in what was the heaviest defeat of her entire career. Williams has withdrawn from this week’s Rogers Cup in Montreal due to ‘personal reasons.’
“Last week was not easy for me,” she wrote on Instagram. “Not only was I accepting some tough personal stuff, but I just was in a funk. Mostly, I felt like I was not a good mom.”
The former world No.1 gave birth to her first child last September. A baby girl called Alexis. Shortly after giving birth, the American had to deal with a series of health issues. Including a pulmonary embolism (a blocked vessel in her lung), the stitching from the c-section opened back up and a hematoma (swelling of clotted blood) in her abdomen.
“I read several articles that said postpartum emotions can last up to 3 years if not dealt with.” She wrote. “I like communication best. Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal. It’s totally normal to feel like I’m not doing enough for my baby.”
Since starting her comeback in March, the American has played in five tournaments on the tour. Her best result of the season so far was reaching the final of the Wimbledon Championships. Williams was denied the title by Germany’s Angelique Kerber. Her win-loss currently stands at 11-4.
Williams hopes that opening up about her difficulties will help other mothers in the same situation as her. Describing the process of finding the balance between her professional life and motherhood is a ‘true art.’
“Although I have been with her every day of her life, I’m not around as much as I would like to be. Most of you moms deal with the same thing. Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art.” She concluded.
Williams is scheduled to return to action next week at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.
