Serena Williams discusses how her ‘thick’ body was not ‘celebrated’ and ‘representing beautiful dark women’
In a frank interview, Serena Williams admits during the early years of her career she felt her body was not “celebrated” while she was also “underpaid and “undervalued” because of the colour of skin.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner, who describes her own body as “thick”, says her sister Venus Williams’ “tall and thin” frame was viewed in a more positive light for most of her career.
In an interview with British Vogue, she said: “When I was growing up, what was celebrated was different. Venus looked more like what is really acceptable: she has incredibly long legs, she’s really, really thin.
“I didn’t see people on TV that looked like me, who were thick. There wasn’t positive body image. It was a different age.”
She added: “How amazing that my body has been able to give me the career that I’ve had, and I’m really thankful for it. I only wish I had been thankful sooner.”
The 39-year-old also discussed the Black Lives Matter movement and female empowerment with the fashion magazine.
The Williams sisters, who have been credited for revolutionizing women’s tennis and bringing equality to tennis, have also inspired a new generation of black players.
Serena, though, admits she was not always valued because of the colour of her skin.
“Underpaid, undervalued,” she said. “I’ve never been a person that has been like, ‘I want to be a different colour’ or ‘I want my skin tone to be lighter’.
“I like who I am, I like how I look, and I love representing the beautiful dark women out there. For me, it’s perfect. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WimbledonEmma Raducanu shrugs off pressure talk after Wimbledon exit: ‘I’m still 19. It’s a joke. I literally won a Slam’
Emma Raducanu bats away pressure talk.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray not making long-term predictions, but insists ‘if physically I feel good, then I’ll keep playing’
Andy Murray vows to keep going if his body holds up.
-
WimbledonWimbledon TV channels, streaming info: How to watch Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff on Thursday
Your Wimbledon TV, streaming, order of play guide.
-
WimbledonWimbledon day four: British favourites fall but Cameron Norrie keeps home flag flying
Cameron Norrie ensured at least one Briton would reach the third round.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray will ask how much more he can take after Wimbledon defeat
It was almost as if Andy Murray…
-
NewsCameron Norrie not trying to ‘make a name’ for himself at Wimbledon
The British number one won in five sets to make the third round at SW19 for a second consecutive year.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic offers support to family of Boris Becker
Novak Djokovic has hosted Becker’s family in his player’s box in both rounds of Wimbledon so far.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic to make Laver Cup call after Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic is interested in taking part in the Laver Cup.
-
US OpenJohn McEnroe paints a grim picture for Novak Djokovic
John McEnroe sees a future where Novak Djokovic ends the year ranked outside the top 40.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon dream dies – but what comes next matters more
Raducanu may have failed to live up to ridiculous Wimbledon expectations, but it is far too early to write her off.