Caroline wasaki makes feelings clear on Serena Williams since tennis icon retired Not only was Serena Williams a major influence in Caroline waki's decision to return to tennis she's continued to support her despite being retired despite sharing a rivalry that defined an era of tennis Caroline Waki and Serena Williams grew to become close friends off the court now that Williams has retired she's become a huge supporter of wasaki and even watched her advance to the round of 16 at the US Open on Saturday wasaki 34 is in the second phase of her tennis career after initially retiring in 2020 due to several difficult injuries including two diagnoses of rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disease she powered past qualifier Jessica ponchet in her third round match to set up a clash with beatric Hadad Maya in the round of 16 with Williams cheering her on from the stands after her win wasaki confirmed that she is still in regular contact with Williams and even admitted that her former rival offers her valuable support she obviously is busy she has two kids she has a husband she has her sponsorship has all that wasaki said but you know I love hanging with her I love talking to her you know I love the support that I get from her as well it's nice I was texting her earlier today and hoping that we'll have time to catch up Williams built up a reputation as a fierce competitor on the court and her ruthless approach often led to wins over wasaki the two tennis stars faced each other 11 times in their careers with Williams winning an impressive 10 of those clashes wasaki was later asked if Williams had become more relaxed since the competitive streak in her was lost but Caroline didn't agree with that narrative I don't know I feel like to me she's always been that upbeat and happy person wasaki replied obviously we're all in the zone when we're about to compete and so that's different when you don't play anymore but at the end of the day I think she's always been you know a happy and outgoing person wasaki reversed her retirement decision in June 2023 and her comeback was wildly celebrated wasaki always wanted to return and make a statement in regards to battling her health but admitted it was Williams who helped her make the decision after announcing her return in an interview with Vogue wazaki said Serena and I had dinner a few weeks ago and when I told her my plan she just said wow good for you I'm going to cheer you on every step of the way and if you ever need anything I'm here she's always been there for me Serena doesn't get nearly enough credit for getting to so many Grand Slam finals after having Olympia Williams is stuck to her word and now wasaki is hoping to complete the fairy tale story at the US Open wasaki twice reached the final of the US Open 2009 20 4 but lost to Kim kers and Williams respectively don't forget like share subscribe my channel buboo dos news