On Aug. 9, Serena Williams announced that she would be retiring from professional tennis, marking the end of the career of one of the world’s greatest living athletes. But the next day—in a move that left many fans confused—she competed in the Canadian Open, and less than a week later, she hit the court in Cincinnati at the Western & Southern Open. So, did Serena Williams retire, or what?

Williams didn’t initially specify when she would be stepping down from the sport, but in an Instagram post following her announcement, she hinted that the upcoming U.S. Open—which runs from Aug. 29 through Sept. 11—could be her final professional tournament, writing, “The countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just [as] exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks.” If nothing else, that message confirms that Serena Williams will be retired sooner than later. Read More