NEW YORK _ Apparently, Serena Williams was looking to spend some quality time with her daughter Friday night.
Williams, excited by the prospect of a free night after a daytime appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium, made quick work of her third-round match Friday, defeating Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic, 6-3, 6-2, at the U.S. Open. She then shared some baby talk with the U.S. Open fans and detailed her nighttime routine of reading a story and saying prayers with her daughter Olympia.
When Williams steps on the court Sunday for her round of 16 match against Petra Martic of Croatia, it will be the two-year anniversary of her daughter's birth, an event that was followed by complications that nearly killed Williams and has led her to advocate for improved maternal healthcare regardless of race or background.
"I think two years ago, I had things attached to my arm, IVs, and it was a miracle that happened having my baby," Williams said. "It really was a great day for me. And then it all went downhill after that for a good five days.
"But, I'm here and I'm reflecting on my opponent more than anything."
Williams has won 23 Grand Slams, but hasn't won a major since becoming a mom. Her quest for No. 24, which would tie her with Margaret Court for the record, has endeared her to a number of fans, especially working mothers who have struggled to return to their careers after giving birth.
Since returning to competition in 2018, Williams has reached three Grand Slam finals, including Wimbledon this year. She lost all three in straight sets. Williams' last Grand Slam title came at the 2017 Australian Open. Williams, who was pregnant, beat her sister Venus in the final.
The No. 8-seeded Williams needed just an hour and 14 minutes to beat the 44th ranked Muchova.
