"Curves are in and I'm happier in myself" -Serena

In her 20-year career, Serena Williams has won 36 major titles including 21 Grand Slams. She has earned more than $74 million, and though she has been rightly named the Greatest of all Time, the 34-year-old legend says that ‘it is lonely at the top.’

Williams made this revelation in a new interview with Times (UK) today, where she opened up about the many struggles she faces, especially with body-shaming, and how she has come to love and accept her body.

“When I was younger, it was hard seeing all these thin athletes when I had more muscular curves and was big-busted,” she said. “Just try running with DDs that are bouncing seven inches up and down! It’s distracting, not to mention dangerous, because you can tear ligaments.”

But Williams is now comfortable in her own skin, a feat that took years and was made easier because ‘curves’ are the new it. “I know I get flak for my physique and it has been a struggle to love my body,” she said, “but now curves are in and I’m happier in myself.”

“I’ve had people put me down because I didn’t look like them — I look stronger. I’ve had people look past me because of the colour my skin. I’ve had people overlook me because I was a woman. It’s important for me to get across that there’s more than one way to look amazing.”

This Sunday, Serena, who was recently named Associated Press’ Female Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, will be competing at the Hopman Cup tournament in Australia.