Williams sisters, Serena and Venus Williams surely made tennis more popular. Not only did they show outstanding skill in the game, but they broke the convention of racism in the sport. Now legendary coach Eric Riley expresses how Serena and Venus Williams made a swift road for black tennis candidates to show their on-court talent to the world.

Now tennis has always been considered as a game of white elites. However, thanks to the Williams sisters’ contributions, fans can see more talented black tennis professionals. Not to mention, the brilliant Coco Gauff from America surprised the whole tennis fraternity with her talent. Now Eric Riley’s comments help to understand the Williams sisters’ contribution to this tennis change.

Eric Riley mentioned Serena and Venus Williams’s skill to minimize the racial discrimination in tennis

In a recent interview, Riley was asked about seeing more black tennis players on tour, and Riley brought up the famous Williams sisters and their skills in the matter. Riley commented-“Venus and Serena showed their greatness and it was respected and revered globally. It wasn’t their skin color; it was their skill that was respected which helps to break down barriers in tennis for all cultures. The walls have been broken down and globally black players have been embraced in tennis.” 

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However, Riley not only focused on Serena and Venus Williams but mentioned other black players too. He said-“I would be remised to not mention Athea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. Then came Zina Garrison and Laurie McNeal, Leslie Allen. These were black players that won tour events. Because of the greatness of Venus and Serena Williams as well as Billy Jean King, doors were opened for everyone.” 

Since the rise of the Williams sisters, the range of talented tennis players has increased in the US. Apart from talking about this great change, Riley also talked about the two rising tennis stars of the US.

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What is Eric Riley’s opinion about the US’s rising stars, Ben Shelton and Coco Gauff?

Eric Riley’s opinion about Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton seemed very crucial. He commented-“I would tell Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton both the same message. Both had their break while young so now, from this day forward, the journey does not get easier. They must enjoy the journey. The expectations, the pressure is now, more than ever, immense and gets to be a difficult thing to manage. Especially on the women’s side.

Riley offered more bits about Shelton as he said-“I have seen it firsthand. Shelton’s father knows the ropes at the pro level which is a huge benefit for him. Both must embrace the challenges ahead and meet them head on. The fact is there are higher expectations on Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton now.”

Legendary coach Eric Riley showed true hope for the upcoming players noting the great contribution of both Venus and Serena Williams. If Gauff and Shelton follow Riley’s valuable suggestion, they will soon be indomitable on the court in the future. What do you think?

Watch this story: How a Two-Word Message Was Enough to Rekindle the Romance Between Serena Williams and Husband Alexis Ohanian