World number one in women's tennis Serena Williams will be on the cover of US Vogue for its April issue.
Daily Mail reported that on the cover, Serena wore a teal dress and had her curly hair down. Aside from the beautifully shot photos, Serena's interview also took on a different tone. Despite being known as the fiercest player on the tennis court, she has particularly mellowed down.
The caption on the magazine cover read, "Queen Serena: The Tennis Ace on Fitness, Friendship and Forgiveness."
Serena also shared that being the top player in the world can also be difficult and lonely. She admitted, "It's hard and lonely at the top. That's why it's so fun to have Caroline and my sister, too. You're a target when you're number one. Everyone wants to beat you. Everyone talks behind your back, and you get a lot more criticism. God forbid I lose."
In the Vogue report, Serena also talked about her on-court and off-court demeanor.
Serena said, "On the court, I am fierce! I am mean and I am tough. I am completely opposite off the court. My confidence just isn't the same. I wish I was more like I am on the court. Nobody would know that I am constantly crying or complaining."
Vogue.com reported that Serena talked about her close friendship with fellow tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and how they give support to each other when they have a bad game. Particularly, Serena was there when Wozniacki broke off her engagement with golfer Rory McIlroy.
As for her own romantic story, Serena said that she is really shy and does not talk to guys. Before, she wanted a family and children, but currently does not feel the pressure.
She also talked about her fitness regimen, "Nowadays everybody goes to the gym. But when I won my first Grand Slam, I had never been. I hated my arms. I wanted them to look soft." Serena said that even at present, she avoids weights and opts for TheraBands instead to prevent her muscles from overdeveloping.
Jezebel reported that Williams decided not to play at the Indian Wells tournament due to a knee injury. She has been enjoying her time off but is set to be back at the Miami Open, which commences on March 24. She has been at Indian Wells since 2001 and won the Miami Open in 2013 and 2014.