Tennis legend, Serena Williams, has opened up about her eating habits as she continues her return to competitive tennis at the age of 44.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion recently explained how she structures her meals around training, recovery and family life, revealing that she does not usually eat breakfast.
Williams said her first meal of the day often comes around lunchtime, with her focus placed on protein and lighter food before training, followed by a bigger meal after exercise.
“I’m not really a breakfast person, so my first meal is usually around lunchtime. I’ll start with protein, have something lighter before I train, and then make sure I have a more substantial meal afterward to recover,” Williams said.
The American star said her approach changes in the evening because dinner is primarily an opportunity to spend time with her daughters, Olympia and Adira.
“Dinner is different. I try to cook for my daughters every night, so that meal is less about what I need for training and more about sitting down together as a family,” she said. “That time is really important to me.”
Williams discussed her diet while promoting her new meal collection with Factor.
She said she prefers meals made with quality ingredients, while ensuring she gets enough protein and variety in her diet.
“Quality and taste are really important to me. I want real ingredients, plenty of protein and lots of color on the plate,” Williams told People.
She identified salmon and vegetables among the foods she enjoys incorporating into her meals.
Her focus on nutrition comes as she makes an unexpected return to competitive tennis. After stepping away from the sport in 2022, Williams returned to singles competition at Wimbledon this summer and is now competing at the 2026 US Open.
Her comeback has also included doubles action alongside her sister, Venus Williams, as well as mixed doubles with Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz.
Williams, however, said she is not looking too far ahead and is instead concentrating on each match and how her body responds.
“I’m taking it one match at a time and seeing where my body can take me,” she told People. “It’s been exciting to see what I’m capable of and to feel myself getting stronger. Right now, I’m just enjoying being back out there and seeing where it goes.”
Despite maintaining a training-focused diet, Williams said she still allows herself to enjoy some of her favourite foods.
When asked which food might surprise fans, she gave a simple answer: “Tacos! I love tacos,” Williams said.
The tennis great also acknowledged that competing in New York provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy different foods.
“New York has some of the best food in the world, so it’s impossible not to indulge a little when I’m there,” she said.
“When I’m competing, I’m focused on eating what I need to feel strong and perform my best, but I also believe in enjoying yourself. It’s all about balance.”
For Williams, her approach to food appears to centre on balance rather than strict restrictions, combining protein and recovery-focused meals with family dinners and occasional treats.
