In the gritty backdrop of Compton, where opportunities were scarce and cries for help echoed, emerged a beacon of hope and resilience – Serena Williams. This formidable American tennis legend, with her unparalleled performances and enduring legacy, has been an inspiration not just for aspiring women athletes, but also for male tennis stars.
One such sportsman is Japan’s celebrated ATP player, Kei Nishikori, who holds the 23-time Grand Slam winner in high esteem. Nishikori, who recently made it to the Round of 32 at the Delray Beach tournament, expressed his admiration for Williams during a candid interaction on International Women’s Day.
“I would have to say Serena [Williams],” said the 35-year-old Japanese tennis sensation, “I love watching her play. She’s incredibly powerful, exceptionally stylish and always seems to be relishing the game of tennis.”
Williams, who hung up her tennis racket after the US Open in 2022, has since been dedicating her time to various business ventures, expanding her venture capitalist portfolio, and cherishing moments with her family, including husband Alexis Ohanian and daughters Olympia and Adira.
Nishikori, on the other hand, has faced some challenges in his career. Despite being the only Japanese male player to rank in the ATP’s top 5, several physical ailments have hampered his play. He underwent two right elbow surgeries in 2009 and 2019, respectively, and had hip surgery in January 2022. His recent performances haven’t been particularly victorious, unlike the woman who inspires him.
Serena Williams, with a whopping 73 WTA singles titles to her name, has firmly etched her name in tennis history. However, her journey has not been devoid of controversy. One such incident unfolded at the Indian Wells Masters, a tournament she won twice but later boycotted for over a decade.
In 2001, Williams returned to Indian Wells as the reigning champion. Despite winning the tournament, she was subjected to severe criticism and accusations of match-fixing, particularly after her sister Venus Williams withdrew from their semifinal match. The backlash was so severe that it sparked a boycott of the event by the Williams sisters for nearly 14 years.
Their father, Richard Williams, and Venus were also subjected to harsh jeers from the crowd when they arrived to support Serena. Responding to the incident, Williams pointed out the racial issues prevalent in America. “Race? I think black people have been out of slavery now for just over a hundred years, and people are still kind of struggling a little bit…I think, yeah, there’s still a little problem with racism in America,” she said.
Despite these controversies, Serena Williams has built an impressive legacy, proving her critics wrong time and again. Her enduring spirit and unshakeable skill on the court continue to inspire players like Nishikori, underscoring her undeniable influence and elegance in the world of tennis.
