Even after bidding the sport adieu, Serena Williams remains immensely popular. The American and her elder sister, Venus, joked on X (formerly Twitter) about an awkward situation many people would have experienced.
Serena is one of the rare athletes who use social media with a personal touch. She often shares relatable content and daily updates. This has enabled her to amass over 17 million followers on Instagram, the second-highest for a tennis player. Her internet presence is a refreshing difference from how other sportspersons usually use X and Instagram.
Recently, Serena took to X to discuss people holding the door open for her. She thanked those who do so but light-heartedly said that if she is far from the door, they need not wait, imploring them to go ahead. She joked that she feels forced to rush in this situation and ends up sweaty because of dashing to catch up.
Thank you for holding the door open for me…. But if I’m a football field away please go ahead and go in… I don’t wanna rush- by the time I get there I’m sweating like crazy and stressed . Anyone feel me?
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 25, 2023
Elder sister Venus quoted the post, joking that she had been making the mistake of rushing to get to the door all this time.
Gosh I’ve been making the mistake to be hustling all this time?! https://t.co/KcOnvpshVB
— Venus Williams (@Venuseswilliams) December 25, 2023
Fans react and relate to Venus and Serena Williams
In addition to Instagram, Serena Williams also has a large following on X. She is followed by over 10 million fans. Venus, too, has a formidable tally of 1.7 million. As the two iconic sisters bantered, fans joined in with their opinions and jokes.
A group of fans said they would hold the door open for as long as they could if it was for Serena or Venus. One even said he would fight anyone who does not open the door for them.
I mean, if it’s you or Serena I’m going to hold the door no matter what, even if it’s a football field away. Please take your time no need to rush, ladies! Y’all earned it! I’m keeping this same energy on anyone who doesn’t hold the door for you and Serena… pic.twitter.com/n1kRfRb7Af
— Gerren Peterson (@GerrenPeterson) December 26, 2023
Also me, holding the door open for as long as possible knowing Serena Williams will eventually walk through it https://t.co/Qtm2VRoiiu pic.twitter.com/ZoQTOn1RCn
— CRAIG TILEY IS CANCELED (AGAIN!) (@Charisse_Tweets) December 25, 2023
I will be there holding the door until you decide to grace me w your presence… take your time Queen
— Olorin (@bjornwilliams24) December 25, 2023
I mean if Serena Williams is walking behind me I’m holding that door…Queen you don’t need to rush, take your time, stop and have a rest. I’ll wait!
— Joel Lambert (@Joellambert) December 25, 2023
Bruh if I see Serena Williams behind me, I am HOLDING THAT DOOR. Idc how far she is. Ma’am you could stop and have a whole ass conversation and that door would still be open. https://t.co/XtPLWid5wd
— Riley O’Regan (@RileyORegan) December 25, 2023
Serena Williams, take your time. I will *happily* stand there and hold a door open for you, as long as it takes you to walk through, however casually you want to move, any time, day or night, any weather, any season, you just take your time, ma’am. It is *my pleasure.* https://t.co/1kH6nV9tfQ
— Heather Hogan (@theheatherhogan) December 25, 2023
I’m holding that door if you’re a 5k away. https://t.co/0MS18YCnCa
— Melvin L. Hayes (@MelvinLHayes) December 26, 2023
Would hold that door all day long for you Vee ✨
— Jimmy (@Racquettechie) December 25, 2023
Other fans agreed with Serena’s appeal and related to the awkwardness of the situation. A few recounted the time when they were in a similar situation.
AyYiYi this tickles me. I totally feel you! It’s a bit annoying lol
— Michael Hackney (@VoicesWeStand) December 26, 2023
Oh yes quite stressful to get there although very thoughtful and kind gesture
— Tracey (@shonnikoda) December 25, 2023
We all have done that walk/run combo that looks absolutely ridiculous
— Kay Rochelle (@YOUlove_Kay) December 25, 2023
We all feel you
— Ramesh Saxena (@Docktus_) December 25, 2023
Yes.
I will say thank you, please let it close… cause i’m not running! especially if I gave my child https://t.co/Tnzq3WvGtm— ML (@ml294538) December 26, 2023
I am always thankful & then apologizing for moving so slowly in my high heels https://t.co/3uoVIZn75M
— Dr Tracey Lynn Perez Koehlmoos (@DrTraceyK) December 25, 2023
Lol yes! I see someone holding the door waiting for me my thought is oh god I have to run
— Jennifer Davis (@JennyDavis8) December 26, 2023
Same because now I feel like I gotta run https://t.co/OVSgoZIc7F
— ♑️ℂ ℤℕ♑️ (@E_Teezey1286) December 25, 2023
While Serena retired after the 2022 US Open as one of the greatest athletes of all-time, Venus continues to be an active player even at 43. While she will not be in action at the Australian Open, she is reportedly targeting a return in March (via Tennis.com), presumably at Indian Wells.
