Serena Williams, 42, says it was a 'difficult' decision leaving tennis which she was 'still good at' to have a second child: 'Not easy'

Serena Williams is embracing change and evolution in all areas of her life.

The tennis superstar, 42, appears on the cover of Byrdie magazine's spring issue, and in the accompanying article, she talks about retiring from the sport that has defined her life, made her a global superstar and made her a multi-millionaire.

'It's definitely not easy,' the mom of Olympia six, and Adira, eight months, with husband Alexis Ohanian, said.

'I love sports and being active. Leaving something I was still good at to be a mom was such a difficult decision,' she added.   

'But I wanted another kid, so I had to do that. Now it's about finding balance and doing other things I've always loved.'

Serena Williams is embracing change and evolution in all areas of her life

The tennis superstar, 42, appears on the cover of Byrdie magazine' s spring issue and in the accompanying article, she talks about retiring from the sport that has defined her life, made her a global superstar and made her a multi-millionaire

Serena shared how much she loves fashion and makeup – something that comes as no surprise to anyone who has seen the tennis outfits and hairstyles she's worn on the tennis court over the years. 

'Showing up [like that] was great for me,' Williams said. 'Tennis is different than other sports. 

'Sprinters and gymnasts, for example, can wear a full face of makeup. With tennis, you can play for three hours and have sweat pouring down your face,' she explained.

'So I had to find little ways to enhance my features. It started with the beads—that was a way to express myself. From there, I leaned into eyeliner and lipstick.'

All of her on court experimentation with fashion and sweat proof makeup led to her founding her makeup line WYN Beauty.

The idea for the brand sprung from her time in the locker room after a tennis match where she frantically washed her face and quickly applied some makeup before appearing in front of reporters and photographers.

'Those moments are the foundation of the brand,' Williams shared. 

'After playing on center court in front of millions of people, I'd have to do press. There was a point where I was talking to the press every single day.

'I had to figure out how I wanted to show up, but I only had a few minutes after a match to do my makeup.'

'It's definitely not easy,' the mom of Olympia six, and Adira, eight months, said. 'I love sports and being active. Leaving something I was still good at to be a mom was such a difficult decision'

WYN Beauty's first line consists of 10 items including skin tint, concealer, eyeliner and combined lip and cheek color which were Serena's go to makeup items for those quick post match refreshes.

'It all started with the skin tint,' she shared. 'I would often mix my foundation and sun cream because I couldn't find a skin tint I loved. 

'I realized that if I'm having this problem, other people are as well. I also remember talking to beauty publications, and they'd ask me about the products I couldn't live without. 

'I'd list products like eyeliner and lipstick, which I often used on my lips and cheeks. From there, I started thinking about how I could create functional and really cool products,' she explained.

WYN Beauty has been five and a half years in the making and offers vegan, cruelty-free makeup. 

'I wanted to create [a collection] people could use every day to enhance their natural beauty,' Williams said. 'I wanted to focus on long-wearing, "clean" formulas because that's how I live my life. I have a farm and try to eat clean, so I also apply that approach to what I put on my face.' 

'But I wanted another kid, so I had to do that. Now it's about finding balance and doing other things I've always loved'

Serena also shared her affinity for fashion – something that comes as no surprise to anyone who has seen the tennis outfits and hairstyle she's worn on the tennis court over the years

'Showing up [like that] was great for me,' Williams said. 'Tennis is different than other sports. 'Sprinters and gymnasts, for example, can wear a full face of makeup. With tennis, you can play for three hours and have sweat pouring down your face,' she explained

Serena shares daughters Olympia and Adira with husband Alexis Ohanian

These days, the Grand Slam winner isn't working out as much as she used to but she's just as active as a mom to two young daughters. 

'For me, it's about creating a collection that speaks to me, whether I'm on the tennis court or picking my daughter up from school,' Serena explained.

'A little goes a long way with what we've created with WYN Beauty. If I wake up late, I can quickly put on our skin tint, concealer, and lip and cheek tint and look fully made up all day. 

'WYN Beauty wants you to understand you can be glamorous and active—and own it.'

WYN Beauty debuts on April 7 in Ulta Beauty stores and online.