Venus Williams bеgan her professional tennis career in 1994, with her sister Serena joining her in 1995. Over the past two decades, the Williams sisters have not only excelled in tennis but have also become central figurеs in both sports and pop culture. 
They collectively hold 48 Grand Slam titles (including 14 in wоmen’s doubles), and have expanded their influence to fashion, venture capital, and interior design. Now aged 41 and 40, respectively, Venus and Serena have maintained a remarkable level of athletic excellence without retiring. Their story, particularly remarkable for two Black girls from Compton, California, has inspired many, including the recent film ‘King Richard,’ which they executive-produced, showcasing their early lives through their father’s devotion, portrayed by Will Smith.
Venus reflects, “People haven’t considered what happened before we turned pro.” Serena adds, “This isn’t a movie about tennis. It’s a movie about family.” Speaking via Zoom on a winter day, with Venus on the move and Serena at home in Florida, their interaction highlights their longstanding media savvy and control over their narrative.
The narrative surrounding them in the 1990s could have been titled “Those Williams Sisters,” depicting them as charismatic girls with beaded braids, embodying a sense of familial love. Venus notes, “From a young age, all we did was work,” and for both sisters, exploring their freedom now feels surreal.
While tennis was somewhat familiar to me through public school PE and Black elites who played, competitive tennis seemed distant and elite. However, the Williams sisters’ public display of Black familial love was unmistakable. Venus emphasizes, “Our family is unique,” and while their story may not fit a typical Black narrative, it resonates powerfully with fans.
Serena sees their story as a superhero tale and acknowledges that despite some criticism about focusing too much on their father, the film’s portrayal is foundational to understanding their legacy. Director Reinaldo Marcus Green believes that Richard’s story serves as a window into the sisters’ lives.
The film reflects everyday tenderness and the supportive environment their father created. Serena describes how their father’s unorthodox decisions, like pulling them from junior competitions, were about prioritizing their well-being. The sisters have applied his lessons not only to tennis but to their broader lives. Serena notes, “We planned to do more than just play tennis,” and Venus adds her role as a meticulous planner.
Health and family dynamics are crucial aspects of their story. After Venus’s diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome in 2011, their family adopted a plant-based lifestyle, showing strong support. Serena mentions their upbringing as Jehovah’s Witnesses and their focus on family connections, calling it “The Fellowship.”
Their rise from Compton, a tough and often misrepresented area, to global tennis stars was not just about tennis but also about brеaking barriers. Their presence on the court symbolized more than athletic prowess; it represented a broader cultural impact. Serena’s dominance and the visual impact of their presence challenged the norms of their sport, with the sisters embracing their unique identities rather than conforming to expectations.
The discussion of their legacy is met with reluctance. Serena expresses a preference for focusing on her daily life rather than her legacy, while Venus finds inspiration in various aspects of life, including design and advocacy.
They joke about future plans, like becoming bodybuilders, but ultimately, their freedom to explore and redefine themselves rеmains central to their legacy. Their story, marked by their parents’ hard-fought efforts, showcases their ongoing pursuit of freedom and individuality in both tennis and beyond.
