25-Year-Old Celtics Star Follows Michael Jordan and LeBron James in Hailing Serena Williams’ ‘Sustained Level of Greatness’

Serena Williams has inspired the lives of numerous renowned personalities without even knowing them. Be it some fan in Indonesia or the F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, Williams’ influence has spread because of the life and career she has built for herself. Adding to the list of these fans is NBA player Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. He recently opened up about the female athlete who has inspired him and it is none other than the ‘Queen of the Court’ herself.

With 23-time Grand Slam titles under her name, Williams has established a legacy in the tennis world. Although Tatum has hailed the American tennis legend as an inspiration, he is not the first NBA star to do so. Legends of the sport like LeBron James and Michael Jordan have also hailed the retired player for her contributions.

Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum hails Serena Williams as his idol 

Adding to the list of NBA players hailing Williams is Jayson Tatum. The world of basketball and tennis are strikingly different. Where one focuses on teamwork, the other lays importance on the individual game. However, even then the core value of sportsmanship is common in both sports and Serena Williams is a living epitome of that.

In an interview with Sports Boston, Tatum stated, “For me, it has to be Serena Williams, not being the biggest tennis fan but understanding the sustained level of greatness that she has had for decades.” The childhood and the struggles she had to go through to achieve greatness on the court have inspired people to push themselves.

He said, “Being essentially the GOAT and understanding her background story and how she has inspired so many people, adults, kids, women, me, everybody. She deserves all the praise and flower that she gets.”

Williams grew up under the guidance of her father Richard Williams who trained her along with her sister Venus Williams. Even when the two sisters were reigning on the court, they had to face issues related to their gender and race.

READ MORE: Astounding Report Reveals Nearly $1,000,000,000 Effort to Empower Women Inspired by Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Li NA, and Other Sporting Icons

But this did not hold them back from voicing out the discrimination. This eventually paved a way for the future generation of WTA players who aren’t to afraid to express their concerns. However, it isn’t only the WTA players that look up to her.

LeBron James and Michael Jordan adore Williams for leading by example 

The LA Lakers legend LeBron James has hailed Serena for breaking numerous barriers. He hailed her for setting an example for all the black kids and becoming an inspirational figure for them. Moreover, another legend Michael Jordan once praised the 6-time US Open champion for being confident in the way she looks. Williams has been criticized for her “masculine” looks but Jordan praised her for normalizing her body type.

WATCH THIS STORY: Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Naomi Osaka and other tennis icons shining bright in the world of business

Why do you like Serena Williams? Cite your reasons in the comments below.