Topline
Tennis legend Serena Williams says she has no plans for a long-term return to the sport, instead viewing her time back on the court as a chance to embrace the many roles she holds as a mother, athlete and entrepreneur, and show her daughters they don’t have to choose between them.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 30: Serena Williams of United States celebrates against Maya Joint of Australia during their Ladies’ Singles first round match on day two of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 30, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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Key Facts
Williams, who is also the founder of venture capital firm Serena Ventures, said at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit on Thursday her return to tennis is “nothing long-term, it’s more or less having a lot of fun” and showing her daughters “the person that’s in their schoolbooks.”
Williams returned to tennis in June 2026 after stepping away following the U.S. Open in September 2022, which she deliberately avoided calling a retirement.
Williams founded Serena Ventures in 2014, focused on female entrepreneurs and founders from underrepresented groups, and says now her “life is mostly business and investing.”
Williams said women are expected to “wear several hats and not complain about it,” and she sees her return to tennis as a way to embrace those different roles and show both her daughters and women everywhere that they can do it too.
KEY BACKGROUND
The fourteenth annual Forbes Power Women’s Summit took place in New York on Thursday, bringing together some of the world’s most influential women in business, leadership, entrepreneurship and philanthropy for candid conversations about how women are shaping industries, business, technology and society. This year’s speakers include Chanel Global CEO Leena Nair; actress, producer & cofounder of Once Upon a Farm Jennifer Garner; and Olympic Figure Skater Alysa Liu.
CRUCIAL QUOTE
“I think we [as women] are expected to wear several hats and not complain about it, and I feel like owning that message and owning that moment, and then I have two girls, and showing my girls that they can do that too,” said Serena Williams in conversation with Forbes Executive Vice President Moira Forbes.
FORBES VALUATION
We estimate Williams to be worth $400 million, making her the world’s wealthiest woman who made her money predominantly as an athlete. Forbes estimates Serena Williams’ earnings over the past year to be $40.1 million, placing her in third on Forbes’ 2026 World’s Highest-Paid Tennis Players list.
FURTHER READING
The World’s Highest-Paid Tennis Players 2026 (Forbes)
Serena Williams Isn’t Returning To Tennis For The Money (Forbes)
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