Serena Williams, one of the most iconic athletes in history, has always been open about her challenges, both on and off the court. This time, however, her vulnerability takes on a new form as she opens up about her health journey and her decision to take GLP-1 medication. In a candid conversation on TODAY, Williams shares her deeply personal story, emphasizing the importance of destigmatizing weight management and health struggles.

Having dominated the tennis world for years, Williams achieved the unthinkable — yet, despite her rigorous training regimen and numerous accolades, her body didn’t respond as expected after having children. “After having my first kid with Olympia, and particularly after the second, I was never able to get back to a healthy weight,” Williams confesses, explaining how she struggled to find balance in her body. She felt frustrated as her body seemed to be missing something essential, despite hours of intense training. “I was literally playing professional tennis, training five hours a day, and I could not get below a certain weight.”

It wasn’t until she turned to GLP-1 medication that she found a solution that worked. “I literally tried everything,” she says, recounting her efforts to lose weight through conventional methods like running, biking, and stair climbing, to no avail. But when she finally decided to try the medication, she experienced the change she had been hoping for. “I can’t beat this opponent no matter what I do. I have to try something different,” Williams recalls. This decision was difficult at first; she worried it might be seen as a shortcut. But she soon realized that it wasn’t a quick fix—it was a necessary step in her ongoing health journey.

Her decision to use GLP-1 medication and partner with Ro, for which she is a paid spokesperson, is not just a personal one; it’s also about normalizing conversations around weight management and health struggles. “There’s something personally that my body was missing after having two kids, and I was not able to be at a weight that was healthy for me,” she explains, adding that many others share similar experiences but are often afraid to talk about it. She believes it’s time to be open and transparent about these issues, shedding the stigma around using medication to support health goals.

Williams’ bold stance encourages others to feel less shame about their own health journeys. “A lot of people are on it, but don’t talk about it,” she notes, emphasizing how essential it is to create a space where such discussions can happen without judgment. She believes that honesty is vital for progress, and her openness about using GLP-1 medication serves as an invitation to others to embrace their health journey, whatever form that may take.

Beyond her health journey, Williams also reflects on her legendary career and the changing dynamics of her life. As the U.S. Open continues, fans and the media still ask if she plans to return to tennis. “I do miss it,” she admits, acknowledging the bittersweet reality of no longer chasing the same goals she did for so many years. However, she remains content, taking solace in the many incredible memories she created along the way.

Outside of tennis, Williams is busy with family, including cheering on her sister, Venus, who is currently making waves in her own health journey. Serena also shares her excitement about Venus’ recent engagement and offers some heartfelt marriage advice. “Always have fun, always go on dates, and let your guard down,” she says, reflecting on the decade-long marriage she shares with her husband, Alexis Ohanian.

Serena and Venus are also embarking on a new adventure together—launching a podcast titled Stockton Street. The name is a tribute to the street where they grew up, and it symbolizes their shared history and bond. “It’s part of who you guys are,” Serena says with a smile, looking forward to diving into deep, meaningful conversations with her sister on the show.

As Serena Williams continues to evolve, both personally and professionally, her commitment to health, openness, and family remains unwavering. She is a powerful reminder that strength comes in many forms—whether it’s in a championship match or in embracing the need for support on one’s health journey. Her message is clear: it’s okay to ask for help, to find what works for you, and to never stop striving for a healthier, more fulfilled life