‘Hated My Name Because..’- When Venus and Serena Williams’ Father ‘King’ Richard Opened Up About Despising His Father as a Child

Richard Williams surmounted many obstacles, including poverty and racism, to raise his tennis star daughters, Venus and Serena Williams. He also coached his girls by providing them with the necessary tennis training. As a result, the Williams sisters rose to prominence as some of the greatest female tennis athletes.

Additionally, ‘King’ Richard also received recognition for his crucial role in his daughters’ journey. However, he once revealed that people don’t know about his struggles, as he was left alone by his father at a very young age.

Serena Williams’ father Richard Williams once talked about his struggles

Richard Williams once talked about his father and said he despised his father as he left him and his mother, Julia. He further stated that his family also struggled with basic necessities after their father left them.

‘King’ Richard went on to say that people know him for his popularity and success. He also said that they are unaware of the hardships that he faced during his journey.

Williams stated, “The world may now see me as a famous man in control of his destiny, but no one knows how much my early life defined me as a child, and later, as a husband and a father.”

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He further talked about his hatred towards his father by stating, “As early as I remember, I hated my name because my father’s love did not come with it. It would always remind me of the man who left me alone.” Williams also stated that his father never cared about him and he also abused his mother.

Richard Williams couldn’t meet the basic necessities of his family. As a result, he was once forced to steal when he was a child. He used to live in horrible conditions as he lived in a three-room shack that was located near railroad tracks. Williams also revealed that he was forced to eat spoiled meat as they couldn’t throw any food away.

Richard Williams as a father to his daughters

‘King’ Richard made a promise to himself that he will never become a man like his father who abandoned his family. Williams further stated that he worked hard to give his family everything that he never had. He became a great coach and mentor for his daughters, Venus and Serena Williams who later became American tennis stars.

Richard Williams is known for playing a vital role in the illustrious journey of the Williams sisters. Serena is a 23 Grand Slam title winner and her sister has won 7 Grand Slam titles during her tennis journey. Additionally, ‘King’ Richard also motivates and supports his granddaughter, Olympia. He was once spotted cheering Olympia on as she rode her bicycle.

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