Serena reveals all about her September medical scare

Serena Williams pulled out of the Australian Open, saying she wasn't completely ready yet, and now, thanks to a revealing feature in *Vogue*, the world knows exactly why. The 36-year-old had her daughter, Alexis Ohanian Jr., in September via C-section, and complications ensued.

The C-section went well, but Williams felt shortness of breath the next day, and feared a pulmonary embolism (which she suffered from in 2011). She was proven right, and put on a heparin drip, but coughing caused her wound to open up. During surgery, a hematoma was discovered in her abdomen and a filter had to be placed inside a major vein to prevent more clots from traveling to her lungs. The medical saga lasted six long days.

Of course, recovery from two abdominal surgeries takes time—not to mention that a strong core is a vital part of a tennis player's game. William still played her first match, an exhibition in Abu Dhabi against Jelena Ostapenko, in December.

Williams also admitted struggling with motherhood at first, but is excited to teach her daughter that there are no limits.

“Sometimes I get really down and feel like, Man, I can’t do this,” the 23-time Grand Slam champion told Vogue. “It’s that same negative attitude I have on the court sometimes. I guess that’s just who I am. No one talks about the low moments—the pressure you feel, the incredible letdown every time you hear the baby cry."

With husband Alexis Ohanian by her side, her health returning and both men and women on tour sharing their support, Williams has settled into her new life, as she's driven to return to her old one. She's aiming to be back on tour in March at Indian Wells, and has her sights set on more Grand Slams.

"Maybe this goes without saying, but it needs to be said in a powerful way: I absolutely want more Grand Slams," she said. "I’m well aware of the record books, unfortunately. It’s not a secret that I have my sights on 25."

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