US tennis star feels some people don’t want Black players to succeed
US tennis star Serena Williams talks about why she has not won any of the Grand Slams, how she feels about people who would like to see her lose.
Serena Williams. Getty
Serena Williams is a seven-time Grand Slam champion and arguably the greatest tennis player of all time.
She has been the subject of criticism, however, for the way in which she carries herself, and the way in which she chooses to represent herself. Whether her success is the product of hard work or luck is a matter of debate.
Williams, 42, is still the world’s number one with her current total of 11 grand slam titles, although she is close to overtaking Margaret Court in the rankings. Currently, her best ranking is No.3.
The US Open is taking place on Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia this week. Williams entered the tournament as the defending champion and is coming off a 3rd-place finish at the New York Open.
She has come in as the favourite in this year’s competition, but she has an uphill battle to overcome in her career against some of the best players in the world.
Here, Williams discusses her recent comments on Twitter and why she believes there are some people who feel that she is a “negative role model” for Black players.
Let’s take a look at the full Q&A below, in it she addresses how people can continue to attack her, but she also addresses some of the criticism and the way Williams chooses to represent herself.
US tennis player Serena Williams.
What is it like for you when you feel that other people dislike you?
It’s really hard, I can’t really explain it. I will never feel as if I have a target on my back. I will never be judged or have a target on my back. But, it is hard to not feel that people like to make you into something that you aren’t, on a lot of levels. People will always try to make you into something you aren’t.
If you feel that people are trying to make you into something that you aren’t, why do you think is that? What is it that drives you out to be that different person?
I don’t know.
