Serena Williams shuts down BBC question from Clare Balding live on air | Tennis | Sport

BBC Wimbledon host Clare Balding revealed that there was an off-limits question during her interview with Serena Williams at Wimbledon. Prior to the seven-time singles champion’s stunning comeback to SW19 at the age of 44, nearly four years after transitioning to tennis, she sat down with the Beeb to preview the occasion.

However, at the very end of the conversation, which centred around Williams’ life now, the reason she returned and exactly what she is expecting when she takes on Maya Joint on Tuesday night. As they ended the interview, Balding made a comment that the host made sure not to ask one specific question.

“And I am not going to ask you anything about your opponent, because…”

Williams then jumped in and said: “You remember that.”

Balding replied: “I remember that. It’s all about you, and it’s going to be great.”

Balding thanked Williams for her time and the pair then ended their interview, with the BBC still showing the American taking off her microphone and taking some selfies with nearby fans before walking away.

The host started the interview by asking Williams if she felt any “butterflies” returning to the scene of so many iconic triumphs. To which she replied that she did not, but was expecting them to emerge before she walks out on Centre Court to play her world No. 87 opponent.

Balding then asked what Williams in 2026 has that previous versions of herself didn’t have, to which she replied: “Well, I have two amazing kids. I think that’s the best thing I have right now that I didn’t have then.

“I definitely have a lot of experience on my side and I have a lot of championships, where I don’t feel the pressure to do anything except for have fun and enjoy myself and enjoy the moment.”

When asked if this newfound belief has made her ‘free’ on the court, Williams shut down the idea and said: “I don’t know, I think so. I’m never a free person in general. You’ve seen me play, I play like a maniac. So we will see. As of now I am calm, but I might change in a matter of minutes, who knows?”