Serena Williams says it's 'painful' to be apart from her daughter for work

een missing her the last few nights when I play. In the beginning she would really be upset when I left. And now she’s a little bit better. I think I’m a little more upset,'' she said.

"But at the same time, she definitely still takes it a little hard. She’s still super young."

"Sometimes my heart literally aches when I’m not around her.''

Mum and daughter during the tournament. Photo: Serena Williams Instagram.

Learning perseverance

She posted on Instagram: #ThisMama tries to spend as much time with @olympiaohanian as possible. She keeps me going especially during tournaments. Although the popcorn machine has her attention here, I know she's watching and learning to see how I persevere in challenging and rewarding moments. #ThisMama keeps going, how do you?'' 

Serena talks candidly about her battle with post-natal depression. And why she won't give  friend Meghan Markle parenting advice

The tennis champ has admitted it's necessary to keep working despite the heartbreak of being away from her daughter.

"But, you know, it’s good for me, I guess, to keep working and just — to all moms out there that it’s not easy. It’s really kind of painful sometimes. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.''

Serena ready to compete in the US Open. Photo: Serena Williams Instagram.

How did I get through the day?

Serena previously  told Teen Vogue: "I go to bed every night thinking, 'How did I get through this day?'"

"I'm sure a lot of people out there can relate, right? It's like, this day is over, it's 10 o'clock, I got through it. How did that happen? That's kind of how I am.

"I just take it as it is and realise that everyone goes through the same thing.''

The mother-of-one is currently seeded number 8 and is competing in the US Open.

She spoke about the life-threatening complications that followed after her birth.

"I think two years ago I had things attached to my arm, IVs, and it was a miracle that happened, having my baby," she said. "It was really a great day for me. Then it all went downhill . It all went downhill after that for a good five days. But I'm here, and I'm going to be reflecting on my opponent more than anything."