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Serena Williams was defeated last week by Johanna konta at San Jose Silicon Valley Classic in a match that lasted less than an hour.
Williams’ historical loss might have to do with postpartum depression, according to her post on Instagram.
She wrote: “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! .”
Postpartum depression (PPD), also called postnatal depression, is a type of mood disorder associated with childbirth, which can affect both sexes. Symptoms may include extreme sadness, low energy, anxiety, crying episodes, irritability, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner previously admitted she could have played ‘a zillion times better’ against British player Johanna Konta, who beat her (6-1, 6-0) during their 52-minute match.
She said: “I have so many things on my mind, I don’t have time to be shocked about a loss,’
“I clearly wasn’t at my best. When I was out there, I was fighting. I wasn’t just giving it away. I was moving a lot better. I’m just trying to take the positives. I think [Johanna] played well in the second set. I wasn’t sharp at all in the first set, and she got more confident from there. She clearly ran away with it.’
It was the fifth tournament Serena competed in since welcoming her first child
However, Serena and her sister Venus are still scheduled to headline the Greenbrier Champions Tennis Classic’s seventh anniversary tournament happening September 15-16 in West Virginia.