Serena Williams, former tennis star and founder of Serena Ventures, recently shared a humorous anecdote about her early days of success. In an interview on the show “Hot Ones,” Williams admitted that she once attempted to cash her first $1 million check at a drive-thru ATM. Recalling the incident, she laughed as she explained that the bank employee informed her that she would need to come inside to handle such a large transaction.
The revelation came as a surprise to the host, Sean Evans, who asked Williams if the story was true. Williams confirmed that it was indeed a real experience.
Williams went on to explain that she never played tennis for the money. She played because she loved the sport and had a fierce desire to win. Money was never her primary motivation. In fact, she admitted that she didn’t even think about the financial aspect of her victories. Instead, she focused on improving her skills and winning the next match.
Despite her success on the tennis court, Williams claimed that she never spent a lot of money. However, when she received her first significant paycheck, she decided to deposit it at a local bank through the drive-thru. The unexpected request to come inside was a lesson for her, reminding her that not all transactions could be conducted so easily.
In 2022, Williams announced her retirement from tennis to shift her focus to her family. She has two daughters, Olympia and Adira, with her husband Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit. Since becoming a mother, Williams has been open about her experiences with postpartum life. In December of last year, she revealed that she used her breast milk to soothe sunburn under her eyes. Additionally, in May of this year, she shared her struggles with fitting back into her denim skirt after giving birth to Adira.
Serena Williams’ story of attempting to cash her first million-dollar check at a drive-thru ATM serves as a reminder that even the most successful individuals can have relatable and amusing moments. It also highlights her passion for the sport of tennis and her unwavering desire to win. Williams’ decision to retire from tennis and focus on her family demonstrates her commitment to personal priorities and finding balance in life. Through her candidness about her postpartum experiences, she continues to inspire and connect with other mothers who may be facing similar challenges.
