In a candid revelation, Serena Williams shared how an early heartbreak fueled her drive to become one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The tennis legend, who boasts an impressive 23 Grand Slam titles, opened up about a challenging period in her early 20s when she was ‘ghosted’ by her first boyfriend.

During an episode of the ESPN docuseries “In The Arena: Serena Williams,” the 42-year-old athlete recounted spending a few weeks in Washington, DC, with her then-beau. Reflecting on the experience, she revealed, “It was the first relationship that I had ever had, but I was in my 20s, so you know, whatever … and then he ghosts me, I got ghosted.”

The unexpected end to her first relationship became a turning point for Williams. She decided to channel her frustration and disappointment into her tennis career. “And it wasn’t even that serious, but it was like I used that and I made it way more serious than what it was,” Williams explained. “So, when he ghosted me, I used that as an opportunity to say, ‘He’s gonna regret this for the rest of his life.’ That was just the motivation I needed, just the excuse I used to go the extra mile.”

Williams admitted that the experience brought out a vengeful side in her, driving her to ensure that her ex would never forget her. “I’m gonna make sure that this person never forgets me. I’m gonna make sure that this person sees me everywhere for the rest of their life,” she declared.

Despite the initial pain, Williams expressed gratitude for the experience, acknowledging that it played a crucial role in her journey to greatness. “I’m grateful for it, so thank you,” she said, addressing her ex.

Williams’ story is a testament to how personal challenges can be transformed into powerful sources of motivation. Her relentless determination and resilience not only made her a champion on the court but also an inspiration to many.

Today, Serena Williams enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The couple married in 2017 and share two daughters, six-year-old Alexis Olympia and nearly one-year-old Adira River.

Williams’ journey from heartbreak to triumph serves as a reminder that even the most painful experiences can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her story continues to inspire millions around the world, proving that true champions are made not just by their victories, but by how they rise from their defeats.