‘Never Supposed to Be Good’ – ‘Copycat’ Serena Williams Once Disclosed How She Clawed Her Way Past Sister Venus to Master Tennis

Serena Williams, the 23 times Grand Slam champion, enjoyed an incredible tennis career despite several hurdles. She strived in silence and came out of her elder sister’s shadow. Despite becoming, arguably, the greatest player in the history of the sport, she never shied away from the fact that it was her sister’s achievements that fueled her.

Serena has been outspoken about Venus’ role in her life. Here’s an interview in which she shared the truth on which her entire career rests.

Serena Williams about trying to be like her sister

In 2012, while working on a documentary, she disclosed how she followed in the footsteps of her sister and the seven-time Grand Slam champion. “It was very difficult being in shadow of Venus,” she said.

Thereafter, the former World no.1 added, “Venus was always in the newspapers and media. I was never supposed to be good, the one who was supposed to be a good player. I was a copycat. That’s the reason I played tennis.” Serena debuted a year after Venus and slowly established herself. 

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She surpassed Venus and dominated the sport like no other. She almost seemed to be invincible on the court and Venus, who was among the only few who could go toe to toe against her, also found it difficult to overcome her sister. Serena, before her retirement, locked horns with her elder sister 31 times. Out of those, she triumphed in 19 matches. 

What are Venus and Serena up to these days?

The seven times Wimbledon champion Serena decided to step away from the sport this season after losing a year to a pestering hamstring injury. She performed her last dance in the hard courts of her home Grand Slam, the US Open. Serena, in the presence of her fans, family, and close friends, said goodbye to her legendary career. Now she is spending time with her daughter Olympia and is focusing on furthering her business and investment firm’s reach.

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Speaking of Venus, the 42-year-old is still in the circuit. However, her game has taken a severe hit. She, just like Serena, walked out of the Tour around last year’s Wimbledon and currently is struggling with her form. The former world no.1 participated in almost all the events of the American swing and is still seeking her first win in singles.

Can Venus regain her form in the 2023 season? Let us know in the comments.