Tennis pro and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams is opening about the challenges about work-life balance as a new mother and reveals that she is suffering from post-partum emotions. Serena gave birth to daughter Oympia Ohanian Jr last year on September 1 and is already back playing competitive tennis. Last week she suffered a shock defeat to Johanna Konta at the San Jose WTA. In a post on social media, Serena writes about not spending enough time with her baby as much as she would like to and feels she is not a good mom.

Williams, 36, lost her opening match of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic last Tuesday night to Konta, a match that lasted only 52 minutes. On Saturday, she pulled out of this week’s Rogers Cup in Montreal, citing personal reasons. And those reasons she explained in her social media post. She writes: “Last week was not easy for me. Not only was I accepting some tough personal stuff, but I just was in a funk. Mostly, I felt like I was not a good mom.” Serena Williams Diagnosed with Pulmonary Embolism Post-Childbirth

Serena Williams Post on Struggling with Post-Partum Emotions

Last week was not easy for me. Not only was I accepting some tough personal stuff, but I just was in a funk. Mostly, I felt like I was not a good mom. I read several articles that said postpartum emotions can last up to 3 years if not dealt with. I like communication best. Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal. It’s totally normal to feel like I’m not doing enough for my baby. We have all been there. I work a lot, I train, and I’m trying to be the best athlete I can be. However, that means although I have been with her every day of her life, I’m not around as much as I would like to be. Most of you moms deal with the same thing. Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art. You are the true heroes. I’m here to say: if you are having a rough day or week--it’s ok--I am, too!!! There’s always tomm!

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on

Serena says she had been leaning on her family for support and thinks that communication is the best. “I read several articles that said post-partum emotions can last up to 3 years if not dealt with. I like communication best. Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal.”

While opening about her experience, Serena also reached out to other mothers who are struggling with a similar emotion: “Most of you moms deal with the same thing. Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art. You are the true heroes.“ Selena concluded by saying, “I’m here to say: if you are having a rough day or week – it’s ok – I am, too!! There’s always tomm (sic)!”

Williams reached the Wimbledon final in July, losing to Angelique Kerber, and is expected to compete in the US Open at the end of the month. Her next Grand Slam title would tie her with Margaret Court for most all-time with 24. However, Serena currently will be focussing on her daughter as she is her priority right now.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2018 03:22 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).