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American Legend Serena Williams’ ‘Fighter’ Spirit Crosses Borders as Kenyan Tennis Wonder Kid Makes Gripping Admission

Published 12/26/2023, 9:36 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

In the intense world of tennis, Serena Williams is not just a name, she’s a living legend. There is no doubt that Williams is a force that has shaped countless lives of players that are now in the circuit. In a recent turn of events, a 19-year-old tennis sensation from Kenya, Angella Okutoyi put forth her devotion for the American star. 

However, her ascent is more than just victories on the court. As Kenya’s reigning tennis queen, Okutoyi’s game is a symphony of skill and determination. Okutoyi explained how she draws inspiration for this from none other than the GOAT, Serena Williams. 

Okutoyi’s shared fighting spirit with Serena Williams 

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It seems like Williams’s fighting spirit left an indelible impression on the young Kenyan sensation. Okutoyi has overcome many challenges to reach where she is now. Being an orphan, it is quite commendable how she obtained all this glory and a stage like the Olympics to showcase her prowess. However, she did share what helped her at times of struggle.

 

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Okutoyi expressed: “When Serena was still playing, her fighting spirit was so good. I believe my game style is like hers, aggressive baseliner.” Okutoyi’s words describe a profound connection between their playing styles and a shared tenacity on the court.

She further explained saying: “And she’s a fighter, and I’m a fighter on court, and I have the willingness to do more, and I believe she does. She inspires me a lot.” It is quite interesting to see how Williams is inspiring a new generation of players to mirror not just her technique but also her unwavering determination.

via Reuters

Beyond her admiration for Serena, Okutoyi draws motivation from other notable figures as well. She pointed to Faith Kipyegon, breaking records as a mother, as a beacon of courage and motivation. 

Additionally, the dedication and humility of Ferdinand Omanyala also serves as a source of inspiration for Okutoyi. In a sport where perseverance is as crucial as skill, these role models have definitely helped the young talent find her high ground. However, where her path will lead to after her Olympic journey is a question worth asking. 

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Okutoyi’s journey beyond the Paris Olympics

As the spotlight intensifies on Angella Okutoyi for the coming Paris Olympics, her story is only in its opening chapter. Her victories on the court have crowned her as Kenya’s tennis queen. However, her path of becoming a true giant in the sport stretches far beyond these initial triumphs. 

Okutoyi’s ascent to the top showcases commendable resilience and skill. Amidst all of this, her perseverance indicates a promising future in the tennis circuit. Okutoyi has already etched her name in Kenyan tennis history. 

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Yet, the question lingers, where will her journey lead after the Olympic spectacle? Whether she will make a dent in the upper echelons of tennis or not would be interesting to see. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments. 

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘Sedate Me!’ – Venus Williams Admits She Needs To ‘Get Tougher’ After A Shark Tale That Left Her Bewildered

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Written by:

Charrvi Singh

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One take at a time

Ever since Naomi Osaka?s infamous withdrawal from the tennis circuit in the 2021 French Open, I have been enamored by tennis stars and their psyche. With a background in psychology, I am interested in delving into the minds of the sport's biggest stars while keeping my readers informed about the latest developments in the tennis world. At EssentiallySports, I focus on stories that dive beyond the sport and focus on the personal lives of the biggest tennis stars.
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Edited by:

Anuj Jacob