Candace Parker has been self-deprecating about her age and veteran status. During Wednesday’s Game 3, CP3 tuned into tennis legend Serena Williams’ second-round match at the U.S. Open.
During halftime of Chicago’s Game 3 win, Parker checked in on Williams’ match against No. 2 seed Anett Kontaveit and was elated when she learned that Williams won the first set of the match. Williams later won the match and will live to fight another day before her expected retirement after her Grand Slam tournament appearance is over.
“I was keeping up at halftime,” Parker said per ESPN. “When I saw she won the first set, I was hyped.”
The 36-year-old has been openly contemplating retirement after a 14-year career where she’s earned career accolades like winning two WNBA titles, a Finals MVP, two regular-season MVPs, DPOY, and nine All-WNBA selections and two All-Defensive team honors.
Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam champion, winning the U.S. Open six times, the Wimbledon seven times, the Australian Open seven times, and the French Open three times. Even though they both have more playing days behind them than ahead, Parker admitted that their longevity comes from working on “the things you’re really good at” and “playing more of that mental game.”
“I know you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but we can better our tricks a little bit,” Parker said. “I think the game slows down and I think Serena, her serve, you don’t have to be mobile to serve (like she does). You’re not returning her serves. I think it’s just working on the things you’re really good at and playing more of that mental game.”
Parker will lead Chicago as they head into Connecticut for Games 3 and 4 on Sunday and Tuesday.
