Renowned filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood has spoken out about her admiration for tennis icon Serena Williams in an interview with a news media organization. The director, whose debut film “Love & Basketball” was released in 2000, revealed that she had considered Williams for the lead role in the movie, but the athlete was too focused on her tennis career to pursue acting at the time.

Prince-Bythewood credits Williams’ mentality and confidence as a major influence on her as both an athlete and a filmmaker. Serena continues to inspire Bythewood not just with her “confidence” and “swagger” but also with her life as a woman of color. Her perseverance and winning spirit inspire many, and Bythewood is one of her biggest fans.

Serena Williams as a role model on and off the court

Talking about Serena, Bythewood told Rolling Stone, “She has so much swagger and confidence”. She praised Williams’ perseverance and how she never gives up. Bythewood also talks about her feelings upon witnessing Serena in court. “Every time I watch her play, every time I think about her story, it inspires me as a Black woman and as a filmmaker.”

Prince-Bythewood also spoke of the challenges that Williams faced as a Black woman in the sport of tennis.

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Noting that the tennis star had to overcome the legacy of racism in the industry, she says, “She never had a level playing field, so you can’t deny it when you see her excel”.

It would not do for Serena to just be a tennis player. Bythewood agrees that Serena had to train tirelessly like every other WTA player but also work extra hard to battle the racist eye. She would not be noticed if she was just good, she had to be “great”.

Despite the obstacles she has faced, Williams’ mental toughness and resilience continue to inspire Prince-Bythewood. “The constant fight takes a mental toll,” the director said. “And what’s happened with Serena is what strong, powerful Black women go through in every single industry.”

It is really unnerving to realize how women of color face prejudices every day. However, Bythewood battles it with confidence like Serena’s. “So I walk on set the way she used to walk on the court — in full belief in my abilities.”

What does Bythewood expect next from her icon?

Prince-Bythewood acknowledged that although Williams has now retired from tennis, she must be building on a great future surprise.  She is excited at the prospect of seeing what the tennis star will do next.

Bythewood believes that Serena’s influence extends far beyond her career in tennis. Serena’s legacy indeed builds the way for female athletes across all sports, raising the bar on how the treatment they receive.

Bythewood says that Serena earns the entitlement to do practically anything after the greatness she has achieved.

However, that does not seem natural to her indomitable spirit. “So I’m just eager to see what she chooses to do next. I know it’s going to be something special.”

Prince-Bythewood’s admiration for Serena Williams stems not only from the tennis star’s incredible talent on the court but also from her resilience in the face of adversity and her ability to inspire others.

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Williams’ legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time is secure, and her impact on the world of sports and beyond will continue to be felt for years to come.