Serena Williams Shares Sweet Reminder About Being Kind and Authentically Yourself

The tennis GOAT and entrepreneur showed off her soft side in a new TikTok.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams / Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Serena Williams is showing off her soft side on TikTok, and reminding everyone of the power of being kind. The retired professional tennis player’s emotions were sparked after a close friend wrote the sweetest, most heartfelt card thanking Williams for being a matron of honor at her wedding and for being the most “thoughtful and generous friend.”

The mom of two, who shares her daughters Olympia and Adira with husband Alexis Ohanian, admitted that reading the card made her emotional, and recalling the message during the video also made her teary-eyed—something she didn’t anticipate. The 43-year-old chatted though her thoughts and feelings while getting ready with her full WYN Beauty makeup routine.

“I feel like I do go out of my way [to do nice things for people] but it’s not a big deal to me, because everything I do, that’s just who I am. I never do things like to get rewards or to get something back in return. [It’s] without a thought of payback. It’s just [my] nature,” Williams stated.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion added that she doesn’t think there‘s any such thing as being too nice. “I really care about people, I don’t expect anything in return,” she stated. “If I’m going to do [a favor], I’m going to do it because I want to do it for you. It’s O.K. to jump in and find a way to help or to show support.”

Williams noted that being authentically herself, meaning being kind and letting her emotions show, is beautiful. She encouraged her followers to not shy away from sharing kindness with others.

“I don’t want to do less because I genuinely like who I am, and I don’t want to change who I am. If you’re different, that’s O.K. You do you. I tend to have a big heart, and I tend to care about a ton of people, and I tend to just like give,” Williams said. “So if you’re out there and you’re like me, and you’re a giver, don’t be afraid to let your kindness shine. Don’t let anyone dim your light. Don’t let anyone dim the kind person that you are, because we live in a world right now where people need kind deeds. Even if it’s [as simple as] opening the door, or [as elaborate as] helping with a bachelorette party. Just always be authentically who you are.”


Published
Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.