Serena Williams says she accidentally spilled news of her pregnancy

ByReuters

Updated 26/04/2017 at 07:48 GMT

Serena Williams had no intention of sharing her pregnancy with the world last week, but spilled the beans when she accidentally uploaded the "20 weeks" photo of herself on Snapchat, the world number one said on Tuesday.

Serena Williams of the United States is presented with a special 23 Grand Slam Tennis Racket after winning the 2017 Women's Singles Final at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2017

Image credit: Getty Images

Williams, who was wearing a yellow swimsuit in the 'selfie', quickly deleted the post but later confirmed her pregnancy via her publicist after frenzied speculation.

And she told aTED conference in Vancouver that the photo was intended only for her personal records.

I have this thing where I've been checking my status and taking pictures every week to see how far along I'm getting. I was just saving them (for myself). I've been so good about it, but this was the one time it slipped.

WTA Madrid

Sabalenka survives scare to beat Linette, Rybakina eases past Bronzetti

3 hours ago

Williams said she had found out she was pregnant only two days before the Australian Open in January, which she went on to win for her 23rd grand slam title.

"It wasn't very easy. You hear all these stories about people when they're pregnant — they get sick, they get really tired, really stressed out," she said. "I had to really take all that energy and put it in a paper bag, so to say, and throw it away.

"Pregnant or not, no one knew and I was supposed to win that tournament. Every time I play, I'm expected to win. If I don't win, it's actually much bigger news."

Williams, who is taking maternity leave for the rest of the 2017 season, said there was no change to her plan to return to the tour as a mother next year.

"I definitely plan on coming back. I'm not done yet,"

And Williams credited her 36-year-old sister Venus, a seven-times grand slam champion, as the inspiration for her comeback plans.

If she's still playing, I know I can play. his (motherhood) is just a new part of my life. My baby's going to be in the stands and hopefully cheering for me.

ATP Madrid

'I didn't test my body' - Nadal still undecided on French Open return

8 hours ago

Tennis

'I'm not negative, I'm realistic' - Nadal on Roland-Garros chances

00:02:16

9 hours ago

ATP Madrid

‘Means a lot to me’ – Nadal reacts after beating Blanch in Madrid

00:01:31

20 hours ago

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me