Richard Williams, the father and coach of tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, once expressed deep admiration for his daughter Venus, calling her a “blessing” and attributing her rise to prominence as a pivotal moment in tennis history. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2002, Richard famously stated that Venus “saved tennis,” believing that the sport was in a dark, lackluster state before her entrance. He credited her for revitalizing the game, pointing out the contrast between the staid atmosphere of traditional tennis and the energy she brought to the sport.
Richard’s praise extended beyond just Venus’ talent; he emphasized the dynamic personality and bold presence she brought to the game, which he felt was desperately needed. He even compared tennis to other sports, criticizing the silence and rigidity of tennis crowds and suggesting that Venus and Serena’s impact would force the sport to evolve. He passionately expressed, “God blessed me with Oracene to be able to bring Venus down. She came down and saved tennis.”
Although Serena Williams might have garnered more accolades with her record-breaking 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Venus’ contributions to the game remain monumental. With seven Grand Slam singles titles of her own, Venus’ legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations. Alongside her sister, she helped transform the sport, not just through their dominance but also by changing the very perception and presentation of women’s tennis.
The Williams sisters’ success is widely credited to their parents—Richard Williams, who was their first coach, and Oracene Price, who provided unwavering support. In the same Oprah interview, Richard expressed how proud he was of Venus, showcasing the deep love and faith he had in his daughters. He highlighted a pivotal match where Venus, despite her achievements, felt she should have won, reinforcing the dedication and drive she carried throughout her career.
