Graceful yet grounded, Venus Williams knows how to carry the weight of greatness with a humble heart. While her appearances on the tennis court may be rare these days, her impact resonates far beyond the game. Rising basketball star Cameron Brink recently shared a heartwarming encounter, describing how Venus, despite her iconic status, greeted her with genuine warmth and kindness.

When Brink first met Williams in Miami two years ago, she was astounded by how casually Williams showed warmth and respect to everyone in her vicinity. Brink reflected on their initial meeting and stated, “And she was just so kind.” She was struck not only by the friendliness but also by its genuineness, regardless of social standing.

Following that, she added, “She really takes the time to make people feel seen, that’s what she did with me, and was just such an empowering person to be around. I’ve looked up to her for so long.” Williams, who is known for being a grounded person, has been transparent about the difficulties of being an introvert.

In the past, she has revealed that even famous people get nervous sometimes when they are working in their careers. She revealed this aspect of herself to the public earlier this year in a clever monologue at the 2024 ESPYS Awards, which included a star-studded attendance list that included Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

Moreover, Williams lightened the mood by playfully teasing her younger sister, Serena, claiming that the organizers originally wanted her to host the show. “I said no, I’ll let my little sister go ahead and host—she needed the victory. It’s the same thing I did back at Wimbledon,” Venus joked, referencing her iconic 2002 Wimbledon loss to Serena.

Her recently released book, Strive, which went on market on September 10th, explores her experiences with anxiety in greater detail in addition to her thoughts on the subject. It’s crucial to remember, though, that the older Williams sister has faced many difficulties during her career related to being in the public eye.

Venus Williams discusses her experiences with anxiety 

Venus Williams discussed her experiences with anxiety in a month old interview with Harper’s Bazaar, especially in relation to her life’s public-facing activities. She opened up about an instance that left her feeling anxious: “I don’t like to be around people, so that’s one thing,” she admitted, revealing the challenge of navigating high-pressure situations.

On the other hand, reflecting on her experience at the ESPYs, she recalled, “In July, I had to do a segment on-stage, and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I can’t do this.’” This openness highlights the difficulties that even the most successful athletes encounter behind the scenes and emphasizes that success and notoriety do not provide immunity against social anxiety or discomfort.

Williams battled a serious emotional struggle in addition to her difficulties in the public eye in 2011 after learning that she had Sjögren’s Syndrome, an inflammatory disease that causes pain, numbness, and exhaustion. In an effort to reduce her fatigue, she now eats a plant-based, sugar-free diet, and she stresses that her illness is now controllable. Through this journey, Venus has demonstrated perseverance both on and off the court by embracing her health difficulties and using them as a chance for personal growth and exploration.