Serena Williams, the legendary tennis champion, is not just a force to be reckoned with on the court, but also a powerful role model and advocate for equality. As she celebrates the upcoming third birthday of her daughter, Olympia, Serena reflects on her own journey and the valuable lessons she hopes to impart to the next generation.
In a candid interview with Good Morning America, Serena openly embraced her “wild” side, acknowledging that it is a trait she shares with her young daughter. “I have a wild girl and she is kind of an extension of myself. I was a wild girl too. I like to have fun and I feel that being wild is not a bad thing,” she expressed.
Serena’s understanding of wildness goes beyond the conventional notion of misbehavior. For her, it represents a child’s natural curiosity and the freedom to discover oneself. “To me, being wild means showing your curiosity, which I find very important in finding out who you are,” she explained.
This perspective is a testament to Serena’s own upbringing, where she was encouraged to unleash her daring spirit on the tennis court. “I think my parents allowed me to unleash my wildness and daring just by throwing myself on the tennis court,” she reflected.
However, Serena acknowledges that her approach with Olympia may be different. “With me, for Olympia, it probably won’t be the same. I’m not going to throw her on the tennis court, but I definitely feel it’s good for her to find out who she is and what she wants to be and have fun doing it,” she said.
Instead, Serena has embraced the role of “Professor Williams,” guiding Olympia through various activities and lessons, all while ensuring they have plenty of quality time together, including their cherished mother-daughter dance sessions.
Serena’s journey in the world of tennis has been marked by remarkable success and significant challenges. As an African American woman in a sport long dominated by the white elite, she has faced numerous adversities. In her interview, Serena spoke candidly about the inequalities she has experienced and the double standards that persist in the industry.
“There were so many adversities that I had to overcome, even being myself was considered to be different,” she said. “In particular, the world of tennis is a sport where no one looks like me and at least at the beginning you can’t really express yourself, it seems like a really bad thing to me.”
Despite these obstacles, Serena has emerged as a trailblazer, shattering records and inspiring generations of young athletes. Her unwavering determination and resilience have cemented her status as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, and her impact extends far beyond the court.
As Serena continues to navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood, she remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering her daughter and future generations. Through her words and actions, she exemplifies the power of embracing one’s true self and using that strength to overcome any obstacle that stands in the way.
