Serena Williams: I am suffering from postpartum emotions

Serena Williams on Monday revealed that she is suffering from “postpartum emotions” after withdrawing from this week’s WTA Rogers Cup in Montreal citing “personal reasons.”

The 23-time Grand Slam champions said that she was in “funk” last week after struggling to juggle family life with her Tennis career.

Just last week she slumped to her worst career defeat, going down 6-1, 6-0 in a shocking first round exit against the unseeded Johanna Konta. Williams after winning the first point lost the next 12 consecutively to bow out of the tournament.

“Last week was not easy for me. Not only was I accepting some tough personal stuff, but I just was in a funk,” said Williams in an Instagram post. “Mostly, I felt like I was not a good mom.”

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Williams said that she had read many articles about postpartum emotions and is trying to overcome her mental trauma by sharing her feelings with family and friends.

“I read several articles that said postpartum emotions can last up to three 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,” she added.

“Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art.”

She also encouraged the other women who feel the same to take it in a normal way.

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“We have all been there. I work a lot, I train, and I’m trying to be the best athlete I can be,” she said. “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!” she concluded.

The 36-year-old returned from a life-saving surgery after giving birth to daughter Olympia in September and is fighting to resurrect her Tennis career once again. She reached the Wimbledon final this year but lost to Angelique Kerber of Germany.