Home

Tennis

‘Roots of People That I’ve Admired’ – Venus Williams Reveals the Impact of Billie Jean King on Her Tennis Career

Published 09/23/2022, 9:20 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Reuters

Venus Williams has etched her name into the annals of sporting history over the course of her illustrious career, thanks to her many remarkable accomplishments. She is a former world number one in the WTA rankings and holds a total of seven grand slam victories.

And to reach where she has reached right now, individuals like her dad and mom have had a significant influence. Similarly, Billie Jean King is another person whom Venus looks up to. In a recent interview, Venus opened up about the American legend King’s influence on her career.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Venus Williams talks about Billie Jean King’s influence on her career

Earlier, during New York Fashion Week, Venus Williams was seen talking to ESSENCE. During the conversation, she also mentioned about balancing her obligations and her lifestyle brand, EleVen. Later, she spoke about the influence of Billie Jean King on her tennis career.

via Reuters

It’s all about my roots, and the roots of people that I’ve admired and influenced me growing up in California. It was kind of like a return to our roots, and a return to who I am, and what I stand for, and what EleVen stands for, which is the pursuit of your best self,said the 42-year-old.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

‘Forge Your Own Path’- 42-Year-Old Venus Williams Continues to Make It Big in Fashion World as She Initiates a New Campaign

She further went on to say, “In order to pursue your best self, you have to know who you are. That’s really the story that this is telling, and our first drop was really all about just my roots in California and actually Billie Jean King.” 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

During an interview on a podcast, the two-time Olympic gold winner discussed the inspirations and ideas that went into branding her collections as ‘Eleven.’ She explained that the word represents the “pursuit” of one’s “best self.”

Venus’ achievements on and off the court

Venus’s achievements, which have helped her become one of the best tennis players, are well known all over the world. The American tennis great won five Wimbledon singles titles and two US Open singles titles throughout her illustrious career. Additionally, she has won 14 doubles titles alongside her sister, Serena Williams.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Barring her professional skills, Venus also has an associate degree in fashion design and a business administration associate degree. She is also the CEO of V Starr Interiors, an interior design company that specializes in hospitality and commercial design.

WATCH THE STORY: Venus Williams in awe of Serena Williams’ growing friendship with Gigi and Bella Hadid at the Vogue world runway show

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Sampreet Shetty

184Articles

One take at a time

Sampreet Shetty is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in engineering, he started his professional career as a content writer. Sampreet started following tennis after witnessing Andy Murray's exploits on the ATP tour during his heyday.
Show More>

Edited by:

Jito Tenson