Renowned as one of the most accomplished female athletes across not just tennis, but the entirety of the sporting realm, Serena Williams holds the distinction of being the second-most decorated player in Grand Slam history, clinching an impressive 23 Majors throughout her illustrious career.
Amidst her journey, Williams has been enveloped by a steadfast circle of support, from her parents, Richard Williams and Oracene Price, to her esteemed elder sister and fellow tennis icon, Venus Williams. Time and again, Serena has found solace and encouragement within her family's embrace.
Let's delve into the top five quotations from the American champion, each offering poignant insights into her relationships with her husband, daughters, and broader family:
#5 "Thank you for being the role model I needed to endure all the hardships" - Serena Williams expressing gratitude towards her mother, Oracene Price
Oracene Price remains an integral figure in Serena Williams' tennis odyssey, serving not only as her coach but as a constant presence in the athlete's corner throughout her journey. Following the birth of Serena's daughter Olympia in 2017, she penned a heartfelt tribute to Price, acknowledging her unwavering strength in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on past challenges where media scrutiny disparaged her physique and questioned her place in women's tennis, Serena commended her mother's grace under pressure. She credited Price for instilling resilience and transforming hardships into triumphs, expressing her desire to impart the same fortitude to her daughter.
#4 "I love how strong he taught us to be" - Williams pays tribute to her father, Richard
Richard Williams stands as an iconic figure in the world of tennis, nurturing Serena and Venus from their early days and igniting their path to greatness. Following the release of the 2021 biopic 'King Richard', Serena extolled her father's unwavering resolve, crediting him for instilling in them a steadfast determination to pursue excellence.
"I love his strength. I love how strong he taught us to be, and not to accept anything less than what we deserve,” Serena Williams affirmed, reflecting on her father's profound influence.
#3 "He puts me in the light, even if I don't want to be" - Williams on her husband, Alexis Ohanian
Serena Williams encountered Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in 2015, and their union blossomed into a partnership marked by mutual support and empowerment. Recalling Oprah Winfrey's counsel to never allow anyone to dim her radiance, Serena found in Ohanian a beacon of unwavering encouragement.
"Oprah said, 'Never let anyone dim your light.' That really stuck with me. Alexis doesn't dim my light. He puts me in the light, even if I don't want to be," Serena affirmed, recognizing Ohanian's unwavering support.
#2 "Nothing is a sacrifice for me when it comes to Olympia" - Williams on her elder daughter
Serena Williams welcomed her daughter Olympia in September 2017, a momentous event coinciding with her triumph at the Australian Open while pregnant. Embracing motherhood, Serena emphasized her commitment to hands-on parenting, cherishing each moment with her daughter.
"In five years, Olympia has only spent one 24-hour period away from me... The fact is that nothing is a sacrifice for me when it comes to Olympia," Serena affirmed, underscoring her unwavering devotion.
#1 "There would be no Serena if there wasn't a Venus" - Williams on her elder sister
Venus and Serena Williams stand as iconic figures in tennis history, their collective achievements resonating globally. Serena, in acknowledging Venus's pioneering role and enduring impact on the sport, humbly credited her elder sister for shaping her own illustrious career.
"There would be no Serena if there wasn't a Venus," Serena Williams affirmed, honoring the profound influence of her sister's legacy.
In these poignant reflections, Serena Williams unveils the profound depth of her familial bonds, enriching her journey both on and off the tennis court.