Sports
Where Did Venus and Serena Williams’ Father Richard Williams Learn Tennis From?
Venus and Serena Williams have gained worldwide recognition because of their incredible gameplay on the court. The two sisters have taken tennis to a whole new level and thus, have been a source of inspiration to thousands of youngsters.
However, both Venus and Serena wouldn’t have earned such a big name if their father, Richard Williams, had not supported and backed them in their childhood. It is because of the efforts of Richard that the world is currently witnessing two phenomenal athletes on the court.
How and Where did Serena Williams’ father learn tennis?
Venus and Serena’s father, Richard Williams, has been a tennis instructor and coach. He started training both his daughters when they were just four and a half years old.
Serena Williams (R) celebrates with her father Richard Williams after her Ladies’ Singles final match against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland. Day twelve of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 7, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Actually, according to some reports, Richard wasn’t always interested in tennis. However, things changed drastically when he saw a match of the French Open on his television screen. Initially, it was not the sport but the prize money of $40,000 that attracted and drew him towards it.
Richard started taking tennis lessons from a man known as ‘Old Whiskey’. Since he had a keen interest in football since his childhood and was even a player in Shreveport, athleticism and discipline were never a big problem for him. Thus, all this helped him to make a career in the sport.
Richard Williams, center, with his daughters Venus, left, and Serena 1991 in Compton, CA. Serena and Venus Williams played against each other for the first time in the tennis semifinals at Wimbledon. (Photo by Paul Harris/Online USA)
Intriguingly, Richard decided that both his daughters will become professional tennis player when he saw Virginia Ruzici playing tennis on his television screen. From that day, he made a full plan for both Venus and Serena and never looked back.
As a coach, Richard has accomplished almost everything. While he helped both his daughters to win every doubles major, he also accomplished a Career Golden Slam with Serena.
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Hollywood movie based on the life of Richard Williams about to hit the box office soon
In order to recognize the contribution of Richard Williams, HBO is coming up with a film based on his life, namely, ‘King Richard’. Interestingly, renowned Hollywood star, Will Smith, is playing his character in the movie and it will hit the theatres on November 19, 2021.
Those who have gone to watch the premier of the movie have given some really positive reviews. While it was the best sports film for some of them, others were not able to count the number of times it gave them goosebumps.
As a result, the entire world is exhilarated about the release of ‘King Richard’. Like the Williams’ sisters, will it be a box office record-breaker?
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