"It's the hardest thing I could ever imagine" Serena Williams announces retirement from tennis

Serena Williams has announced her retirement from tennis.

In the latest issue of Vogue, the legendary tennis player stated: "It's the most difficult thing I've ever imagined. I don't want it to end, but I'm also ready for what comes next."

Williams' retirement will be delayed. She revealed in her Vogue piece that she is still hoping to play in the US Open later this month in New York.

She wrote: "Unfortunately I wasn't ready to win Wimbledon this year. And I don't know if I will be ready to win New York. But I'm going to try. And the lead-up tournaments will be fun. 

"But I'm not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment. I'm terrible at goodbyes, the world's worst. But please know that I am more grateful for you than I can ever express in words. You have carried me to so many wins and so many trophies. I'm going to miss that version of me, that girl who played tennis. And I'm going to miss you."

She added that she was leaving her job to spend more time with her husband Alexis and their young daughter Olympia, who is five.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion also disclosed that she is planning to start a family soon.

"Alexis and I have been trying to conceive for the past year, and we recently received some information from my doctor that put my mind at ease and gave me the feeling that whenever we're ready, we can add to our family," she wrote.

"I definitely don't want to get pregnant again while competing in sports. I must have two feet in the game of tennis or two feet out.