Some people have called it brave since she is 44 years old, and competing again can take a toll on the body. I see it as defiant.

People have commented on her return in both positive and negative ways. Some have called it selfish for her to take a wild card option at Wimbledon when it could've been a place for younger talent. Others have called it brave, with her being 44-years-old and the toll competing can have on the body. I see it as defiant. 

For most of her career, Serena's story has been dictated by other people. She's been told how to celebrate, how to behave, how to dress, how to be feminine, when to retire, and now, when and how she's allowed to come back. Despite becoming arguably the greatest tennis player of all time, she's never been free from the opinions of people who believe they have a say over her career. Her return to Wimbledon wasn't about proving she still belonged, it was her deciding, on her own terms, that she wasn't finished with tennis yet.

Serena Williams has been competing since she was 14 years old, and many choices have not been her own. Most choices of Black individuals are not their own, no matter their level of fame or accomplishment. Black people are told to be forever grateful for any achievement they get, because they're not supposed to be there; therefore, we should always be humble when we're "invited" to have a seat at the table.

Men return to sport all the time and are praised for their determination, regardless of the result. Women, especially Black women, are so often expected to justify every return with success. If you come back, you have to win. If you're given another opportunity, you have to prove you deserve it. 

Serena's return and loss have brought an onslaught of criticism, from people suggesting she has "disrespected" Wimbledon, to others accusing her of being a "bad loser" for naturally being disappointed in herself for losing her first match. 

Black women rarely have autonomy of their own timelines. We're often expected to be grateful just to be in the room, to work twice as hard to justify every opportunity and to succeed every single time we're given one. 

There's an invisible pressure to prove we deserved the invitation in the first place. We are being pushed and pulled in so many directions, that we can't even see straight. Serena Williams has always strengthened us with her actions despite the racism, sexism, and now ageism she is facing. Serena has always taught us to be confident, strong, and defiant against all odds, and now she's teaching us a new lesson.

Having the freedom to fail and the choice to restart is something we're rarely afforded. Serena Williams is teaching Black women everywhere: you can do what you want, when you want, and the outcome doesn't matter because we deserve the freedom to fail without an apology.