"They said I look like a man, I must be taking drugs" - Serena Williams reveals how she protected her mental health amid 'negative' media light

Serena Williams reflected on the challenges of being thrust into the public eye from a young age. Throughout her career, she faced unfounded criticisms and negative commentary, especially on social media which made her find ways to protect her mental health.

Williams indulged in a conversation with the founder and editor at large of DealBook, Andrew Sorkin, at the 2024 New York Times DealBook Summit. The 23-time Grand Slam champion discussed her iconic tennis career, the challenges she faced, and her life as an entrepreneur post-retirement.

Sorkin asked Williams how much she keeps up with what’s said about her in the media. The 43-year-old reflected on her approach to navigating constant media scrutiny, a challenge she has faced since stepping into the public eye at age 12.

By 17, after her first Grand Slam victory, she decided to shield herself from external commentary.

"From that day of me winning my first Grand Slam until today, I made a stance and I said, I'm not going to read any articles about me. I'm not going to read any press," Serena Williams said.

Explaining her reasoning, Williams shared the harsh criticisms she endured early in her career:

"Growing up before mental health was a thing, it was only negative stuff - I look like a man, I'm too strong, I can't be that good, I must be taking drugs or whatever it is... Or she's the best in the world she does this it can either inflate you or it can really bring you down."

Such remarks, she noted, could either inflate her ego or deeply affect her mental state, so, she prioritized protecting her peace.

This strategy of intentionally avoiding media narratives was developed by Williams long before conversations around mental health became mainstream. Occasionally, negative comments on social media slip through, but she has learned to turn away from them keeping in mind others' right to their opinions.

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Serena Williams stays 'relatable' and not 'untouchable' despite the negativity surrounding her

Serena Williams being interviewed at The New York Times Dealbook Summit 2024 (Image: Getty)

Continuing on the topic of how Serena Williams deals with negativity on social media and the internet, the American acknowledged that there is positivity out there as well. She tries to stay "relatable" and does not plan on becoming "untouchable."

"It's a lot of negativity out there but there's also a lot of positive things out there that can make you feel untouchable. And I never want to be untouchable. I always want to be relatable. I always want to be just real. And so I just have, I've decided since I was, since a very young age, just stay in that space," Serena Williams said.

Williams frequently talks about prioritizing herself, her family, and her daily commitment to doing her best. She also mentions the importance of knowing that not every day will be perfect, and keeps moving forward with determination.