"Serena Williams will be able to hit a lot of sixes!"- Mumbai Indians batter Hayley Matthews on why the American should give cricket a shot
West Indian cricketer Hayley Matthews recently put forth an oddly interesting suggestion for 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.
Williams, who drew curtains on a transcendent career spanning over 20 years last September, attributed her wish for unrestrained family time with her five-year-old daughter as one of the key reasons for her decision. Having won 73 singles titles during her unparalleled career, the former World No. 1 was known for her powerful shot-making and athleticism.
Matthews, consequently, felt Williams' debut on the cricket pitch would surely send a flurry of balls out of the park. The 24-year-old is currently playing franchise cricket for the Mumbai Indians in India in the Women's Premier League (WPL) and answered a series of fun questions for her team's social media.
When asked which athlete she would like to see give cricket a try, she promptly picked Serena Williams, stressing how the tennis legend is thoroughly capable of striking a few maximums.
"Maybe someone like Serena Williams; I think she would be able to hit a lot of sixes," the all-rounder said when asked which athlete she would like to see at the crease.
Favourite Mumbai snack 🤔
Cricketing idol 🏏
...and a special mention for @serenawilliams 🙌
Here’s a fun chat with @mipaltan's Hayley Matthews that you don’t want to miss ahead of the #UPWvMI clash!
#TATAWPL | @MyNameIs_Hayley https://t.co/sPrTVkEXlU
Hayley Matthews was part of the West Indies squad that won the 2016 Women's T20 World Cup. Having previously competed as a javelin thrower, Matthews has four international centuries to her name.
"I love reading, but ever since I had Olympia, I just don’t even think I’ve read a book" - Serena Williams
Serena Williams recently filmed a commercial for beer brand Michelob Ultra for a feature during last month's Super Bowl. The former World No. 1 can be seen enjoying a golfing session with sporting icons Alex Morgan and Jimmy Butler whilst relishing a can of beer.
Williams later spoke to ESSENCE about her experience filming the commercial in the midst of other sporting A-listers. She revealed how she strives never to have a dull moment in life and that filming for such brands allows her to reconvene with her fun side.
"I love Michelob Ultra, I love that it reminds us of joy," Williams said. "I’m a very joyful person. I love to laugh. I love to just bring that to my life. And so I think that’s what we get to see in these ads that we’ve done in the past. We get to see some familiar faces, some legendary athletes."
In the same interview, the 41-year-old elaborated on her life post-retirement. She underlined that her passion for books and movies has taken a backseat since becoming a mother, but hopes to reconnect with her favorite hobbies soon, including golf.
"I love reading, but ever since I had Olympia, I just don’t even think I’ve read a book,” the 23-time Major winner said. “But I do love reading. I absolutely love going to the movies, it’s my favorite thing, it shuts my brain off.
"I’m not golfing at all these days. Although I am definitely going to pick up golf as soon as I have time, which hopefully will be very soon," she added.