For the last decade, the names Venus and Serena Williams have become...
With over 14 Grand Slam singles titles between them, the Williams sisters have dominated the field and have broken down barriers for Black athletes in the sport. They have launched clothing lines, held lucrative sponsorship and endorsement deals with some of the nations top companies, and have been powerful role models for young women in sports and in general.
Their powerful game play has elevated the level of tennis and has forced other competitors to step up their game.
Since they arrived on the circuit, however, Richard has been very critical about how his daughters have been treated by the media and by other competitors. He has pulled both women from competitions, including the current Pacific Life Open at Indian Wells, because of his feelings.
In an interview with India's Deccan Herald, Richard Williams stated:
"Tennis is a prejudice game. Well, I'm Black and I'm prejudiced, very prejudiced. I'll be always as prejudiced as the White man. The White man hated me all my life and I hate him. That's no secret. I'm not even an American, it just so happens that I was born in America. People are prejudiced in tennis. I don't think Venus or Serena was ever accepted by tennis. They never will be. But if you get some little White no good trasher in America like Tracy Austin or Chris Evert who cannot hit the ball, they will claim this is great."
Williams also criticized former players like Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe for becoming commentators after their years of eligible play. "You go spend 20 years playing tennis and another 20 years announcing tennis. That is 40 years of your life. You mean, you never learned anything else?" Williams stated.
Neither daughter has commented about their father’s statement, but the boycott at Indian Wells could prove costly to their season. The Pacific Life Open has been deemed a mandatory event on the women’s tour this season, and their absence could cost them eligibility at their next scheduled event.
