Bangladesh, Aug. 10 -- Serena Williams said it plainly: It isn't really fair. A male athlete would never have to make the same choice.

But after a trailblazing career that both transformed and transcended her sport, Williams, who turns 41 next month, has told the world she'll soon step away from tennis to focus on having a second child and making her daughter, Olympia, a big sister. Her explanation in a lengthy Vogue essay resonated with women in sports and well beyond, many of whom could relate only too well to her words, "Something's got to give." And to the idea that, no, you really can't have it all - at least, not all at the same time.

Many noted that Williams' achievements, which included winning a major when two months pregnant, ...