Art is imitating true life for tennis legend Serena Williams. Williams will be the executive producer of the Netflix series based on Taylor Jenkins Reid's bestselling 2022 book Carrie Soto Is Back.
The book follows 37-year-old retired tennis star Carrie Soto as she returns to the WTA Tour to preserve her Grand Slam record.
It is a beloved book for tennis fans because Jenkins Reid beautifully describes travel and behind-the-scenes action on the WTA Tour. It is the text version of Netflix's tennis docuseries Break Point.
Will Serena Williams star in the series?
The logical question is whether Serena Williams will cast herself as Carrie Soto. If not herself, could she cast sister Venus in the lead role? The Williams sisters are no strangers to Hollywood. They were actively involved in the tennis movie that told the story of their father, 2021's King Richard. Will Smith won an Oscar for his portrayal of Richard Williams.
Review: King Richard 4.5/5 🌟's
— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) November 14, 2021
In a role that catapults him to the top of this year's Oscar Race, Will Smith resurrects his career with "King Richard". Smith gives a nuanced look at fatherhood backed by a powerhouse of emotion. Without question, Smith's best outing since "Ali". pic.twitter.com/JNcdu33OGR
Fans will eagerly await this movie to see if Williams uses her tennis connections to make it more realistic. We know she will not need to come out of retirement like Carrie Soto to preserve her Grand Slam record. She has 23, and the closest active player to her is Iga Swiatek with 5.
Will Serena Williams play tennis again?
Williams is happily retired and actively involved with her family and business endeavors, but we wonder if Serena shares Roger Federer's feelings.
Roger Federer wants to play exhibitions & fill stadiums around the world:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 12, 2025
“I’d love to start playing 2 or 3 times a week & hopefully get myself back on the exhibition court. Maybe fill up a few nice stadiums around the world.” 🥹
(via @tntsports)
pic.twitter.com/qqmpXqib6p
Federer recently said he would like to play exhibitions. Like Serena, he is busy with business and philanthropic projects, but he must miss the game enough to want to get on a court in some facet and play.
Perhaps he can convince Serena and Rafael Nadal, who is newly retired, to join him. Nadal's wife is reportedly expecting their second child. He is also globetrotting with his business ventures, but the three would sell out stadiums instantly if they announced an exhibition tour.