Earlier this week, Serena Williams joined Savannah Guthrie on a live episode of the Today show, during which the host made the bold choice to ask the professional tennis player about her potential return to the courts. Williams was seemingly shocked by the ask, politely hinting that she’s rather not broach the topic. Fans then went on to slam Guthrie for her invasive question. Keep reading for more information.
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Serena Williams Shuts Down Savannah Guthrie's Questions About Retirement
Sitting down for a one-on-one interview, Savannah Guthrie dove right into a question that many tennis fans have been wondering: will Serena Williams be coming back to tennis, or is she retired for good? The 44-year-old's last match was the September 2022 US Open, during which she lost in the third round.
"Recently—tell me if I have this right—you reentered the drug testing pool, which some see as the precursor to a return to tennis," Guthrie began. "So you know I have to ask, are you returning to professional tennis?"
Williams first reacted with a laugh, dodging the question. "I mean, really?" she asked. "Are you asking this on the Today show? Oh my gosh."
But Guthrie wasn't giving up: "Is that a no?" she asked.
"Is that a no?" William repeated, as laughs could be heard in the background. "All the people on your set that are laughing. This is distracting. You're distracting us over there." Guthrie pressed again: "Okay, but you didn't say yes or no!"
Finally, Williams responded, "I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now," which Guthrie pointed out still wasn't an answer, but Williams simply replied, "I'm just gonna see what happens."
Social Media Reactions
While the greater public has been wondering if Williams would be making a return to tennis, many thought this wasn't the best time or place to ask. Since 2022, Williams has considered herself a "full-time, stay-at-home" mom, taking care of her two daughters, Olympia, 8, and Adira, 2.
Across social media platforms, some fans defended the tennis star, while others celebrated the fact that she didn't deny a return to the courts. "Wow, the interviewer didn’t read the room," one fan commented on a YouTube clip of the interview. "Serena was being nice but definitely responded with 'girl mind your business' replies multiple times."
"Omg, think Serena might be on the court exploring the possibility of a return!" another fan said. "I really hope so."
"That was awkward!" another fan said, and the next wrote, "She said shut up and mind your business in the nicest way possible."
"That was kind of embarrassing for Savannah," a final fan said. "But happy to hear Serena's not ruling out tennis!"
