‘It’s a Two-Way Street’ – When Venus and Serena Williams Gave Their Honest Take On Women’s Tennis to Talk-Show Host Oprah Winfrey

Venus and Serena Williams are two of the most powerful personalities in the tennis world. The two women from Compton totally changed the perspective of the world toward female athletes. Apart from excelling in the sport they love, the sisters did well outside the court. Be it fashion or business, there’s no denying that the sisters have rightfully earned their superstar status.

Back in 2002, the Williams sisters appeared as guests on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’. Venus and Serena, aged 22 and 21, back then were fearless in discussing various aspects of life. The Williams got a lot of criticism back then because they used to socialize lesser than they expected women to do. Both the sisters gave their opinion on the same.

Serena and Venus on socializing less

Oprah quoted her father, Richard Williams, who once said that “We don’t see Bill Gates out there socializing with everybody. Tennis is serious business.”
Serena agreed with her father, saying, ‘It’s our job.’

Venus explained how, just because they are girls, people expect such things from them.

“Men aren’t criticized if they aren’t out there having dinner and socializing,” she said.

Further, the seven-time Grand Slam champion remembered an instance when a player took offense to Venus not saying hi to her.

“I remember another player once saying, ‘Venus didn’t say hi to me.’ She didn’t say hi, either. It’s a two-way street,” she said.

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Although many people might not like the attitude they carry, they never paid heed to the outside noise and always replied with their performance.

Serena Williams is eying her 24th Grand Slam title

Since her mid-game retirement from last year’s Wimbledon Championship, Serena chose to stay out of the WTA tour to heal her hamstring injury. She made a much-awaited return in the doubles event at Eastbourne International, partnering with world number 3, Ons Jabeur. Unfortunately, her campaign came to an abrupt end as Jabeur injured her knee and pulled out of the tournament.

Serena has centered her full focus on the Wimbledon Championship now. The 40-year-old is in pursuit of her 24th Grand Slam title.

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If Serena manages to win the Wimbledon Championship, she will equal the record for the highest number of Grand Slam titles, currently held by Margaret Court. Returning after a long time, it will be interesting to see how far she goes in the tournament.