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‘My Dad Was Very Smitten’- Serena Williams’ Step-Brother Accuses ‘King’ Richard’s Ex-wife of ‘Being a Thorn’ in His Side

Published 01/31/2023, 8:00 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

American tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams found a great coach in their father Richard Williams. It was Richard’s brainchild to one day see his daughters rule the tennis court. While the legendary sister duo got it all from their father, the only thing they might regret is their father’s failed relationship.

Richard Williams and the mother of Serena and Venus (Oracene Price) separated long ago. Later, Richard fell in love with Lakeisha Graham. While the two were very happy initially, their relationship fell apart. Recently, Richard’s son and half-brother of Serena and Venus, Chavoita LeSane opened up about his father’s latest relationship and its failure.

Richard Williams’ son opens up about his father’s failed relationship

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Richard Williams met Lakeisha Graham back in 2009 at a tennis tournament. Richard’s son Chavoita LeSane was not in the favour of this relationship earlier. However, he knew that as an adult his father has all the right to make his life choices.

Recalling the time they were dating, LeSane revealed to theSun.com, “The only thing I wanted to make sure of was that they are a great person [for] my dad, that’s all I cared about.” He further added, “Me remembering when I first met Keisha is kind of difficult. I just know that Lakeisha’s been a thorn in my side. But in the beginning, my dad was very smitten with Keisha. And she seemed to be very taken with my dad.”

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Read more: ‘Who Are All the Bears?’ – Serena Williams’ Five-Year-Old Daughter Enlightens Father Alexis Ohanian Over Her Latest Art

After their marriage fell apart, Richard and Lakeisha are in a long legal battle. Serena and Venus Williams have maintained their distance from the issue as both girls are busy with their own lives. Venus is still an active tennis player while Serena retired recently and lives with her husband and five-year-old daughter.

Richard Williams urged Serena to keep playing

After taking the all-important decision to give up tennis, the 41-year-old met her father. As she revealed her plans to retire after the US Open, Richard was not happy with it. Richard recalled asking Serena to continue for a few more tournaments. However, the 23-time Grand Slam champion declined.

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via Getty

Richard further said that he is happy with Serena’s achievements and glad that she has flourished as a smart businesswoman apart from her tennis career.

Watch this story – ‘How Did I Not Open Them???’ – Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Remorseful Reaction After Father Hit Him Right in the Feels With Childhood Memorabilia

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Serena Williams played her last match at the US Open when she crashed out of the third round. Ever since there have been many rumors of a retirement U-turn. However, nothing official came from Serena’s end.

 

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Written by:

Gaurav Verma

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Gaurav Verma is a Tennis Author at EssentiallySports. He has post graduate diploma in management from IILM Graduate School of Management and a BBA degree from Bangalore University. He has 1-year of experience in the banking sector.
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Edited by:

Arijit Saha