Richard Williams is the father of Serena and Venus Williams, two of history’s most successful tennis players. He is known for his unique and often controversial approach to coaching his daughters, which helped to shape them into the champions they are today. Let’s look at what it took for him to get his daughters on Wimbledon podiums.
Ever since his daughters were born, Richard just knew he would be raising world no. 1s. “Without hesitation, I said to myself ‘I’m going to have two kids and put them in tennis.’”, he said. However, telling yourself something and actually doing it are two different things. The journey King Richards had before him wasn’t an easy road.
Congrats to Richard Williams, father to Serena & Venus Williams on being inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame https://t.co/FMih65gfaU pic.twitter.com/ZRa9WCQUtU
— theGrio.com (@theGrio) June 8, 2017
In the 1970s, Richard Williams moved his family to Compton, California, where he began teaching his daughters how to play tennis on the public courts in the area. Some criticized Richard Williams’ unorthodox coaching methods, which included teaching his daughters on public courts in Compton and limiting their participation in junior tournaments in order to focus on their development. Often, he had to literally fight people off the court. This included gang members and other parents.
A major altercation left him with several injuries, several broken ribs, and 10 missing teeth. But he does not hold any regrets. King writes in his biography, “To this day, I wear my toothlessness as a badge of courage.” He rose up from the ground against a gang leader to protect his daughters. He won that battle.
What do Serena and Venus think about King Richards’ sacrifices?
Both Serena and Venus have spoken of the immense impact their father had on the game itself. They have acknowledged the obstacles that they and their family faced, including racial discrimination and financial challenges. Hence, credit their father for being at the forefront of inspiration for any who sufferers like they did.
“Richard Williams was a fierce defender of his family,” says Will Smith. “In this time in my life, I am overwhelmed by what God is calling on me to do and be in this world.”
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) March 28, 2022
“It’s changed sports. Its changed history. Who would have thought that he could have raised two black to play a sport that African Americans haven’t typically done well in? Every time I stand out there, I think I wouldn’t be here if somebody didn’t have that vision for me.”
Richard Williams’ steadfast devotion to his daughters’ success, coupled with his unorthodox coaching methods, helped Serena and Venus become two of the most successful and dominant players in the history of tennis. His legacy as a trailblazer and a pioneer in the sport of tennis has inspired many, and his unwavering commitment to his daughters’ dreams will forever be remembered as a testament to the power of love and dedication.
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