Serena Williams speaks on postpartum body image

Serena Williams and her daughter Adira.

Celebrated Grand Slam champion and retired tennis legend Serena Williams recently shared an intimate glimpse into her life as a new mother of two.

Williams posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of herself in a bikini, cradling her newborn daughter, Adira.

In her post, Williams reflected on her journey of self-love and acceptance of her postpartum body.

"Loving yourself is essential. I find that I have to remind myself of that self-love through all different stages in my life," the 42-year-old wrote.

Emphasizing her body's natural changes, Williams expressed appreciation for her current state, even if it's not considered "picture perfect."

She highlighted the joy of sustaining her daughter, Adira, with her body and the process of getting acquainted with this new version of herself.

"It is a change, but it's a change that has been well worth it," Williams added, encouraging her followers to embrace self-love.

Williams, who retired from professional tennis, and her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, welcomed their second child in August 2023.

The couple is also parents to their six-year-old daughter, Olympia. Since stepping away from the tennis court and expanding her family, Williams has openly shared the personal adjustments and challenges she faces.

In January, Williams posted a video on Instagram, sharing a candid moment of trying to fit into a denim Valentino skirt she bought during her pregnancy with the hope of wearing it postpartum.

The attempt highlighted the reality of her body's changes, with Williams humorously admitting, "I can't fit it."