Serena Williams: The day I stop fighting for equality will be the day I am in my grave
It was a short and sweet answer from Serena Williams, but she left no uncertainty about her continued fight for equality.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner has always been at the forefront when it comes to gender and racial equality, even more so since returning to competitive tennis after giving birth to her daughter in 2017.
On the court it hasn’t really clicked since she has returned from maternity leave, in finals at least, as she lost in two Wimbledon finals and one US Open one.
Her latest final defeat saw her go down 6-2, 6-2 against Simona Halep at the All England Club on Saturday.
Before the match the great Billie Jean King suggested the American should focus more on her tennis.
“She’s got a baby, she’s trying to help gender equity, particularly women of colour. But it makes it much harder,” King told the BBC.
“I would like her to put everything else aside, because she’s got people working on those things.
“I wish she would just make a commitment for the next year and a half to two years and say, ‘I’m going to absolutely focus on what’s necessary for my tennis, so when I look in the mirror when I’m older, then I can go back in my mind and know I gave it everything I had.'”
It prompted a question from a journalist about whether or not she should change her focus, but Williams answered it quite brilliantly.
Last words from Serena Williams’ press conference:
“The day I stop fighting for equality is the day I’m in my grave.”#Wimbledon
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) July 13, 2019
“The day I stop fighting for equality and for people that look like you and me, will be the day I am in my grave,” the 37-year-old said.
King later took to Twitter to praise Williams for her continued fight for equality.
I would never ask anyone to stop fighting for equality. In everything she does, Serena shines a light on what all of us must fight for in order to achieve equality for all.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) July 13, 2019
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
NewsOn This Day in 2016: Maria Sharapova reveals positive drugs test
The five-time Grand Slam winner would ultimately be banned from tennis for 15 months.
-
NewsFrancisco Cerundolo eyeing remarkable family first ahead of Argentina Open final
Cerundolo is looking to emulate his younger brother Juan Manuel by winning his first ATP title.
-
WTA TourClassy Petra Kvitova in dominant form as she eases to Qatar Open title
Petra Kvitova stormed to her 28th career title and second at the Qatar Open win with a 6-2, 6-1 rout of Garbine Muguruza in Doha.
-
ATP TourWATCH: Roger Federer practices in Doha as he learns his fate in the draw
Roger Federer could face a clash against Britain’s Dan Evans in the first match of his comeback event in Doha.
-
ATP TourAndrey Rublev’s stunning run of form continues as beats Stefanos Tsitsipas
Andrey Rublev stirmed into his fourth straight ATP 500 final with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Rotterdam.
-
ATP TourRoger Federer sends fans crazy with a social media post ahead of his return to action
The moment Roger Federer fans have waited almost a years to see is nearly here as he prepares to return to action next week.
-
WTA TourGarbine Muguruza into the final in Qatar after Victoria Azarenka pulls out
Victoria Azarenka withdrew ahead of the Qatar Total Open semi-finals to send Garbine Muguruza.
-
ATP TourStefanos Tsitsipas sets up showdown with Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the semi-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.
-
NewsLawn Tennis Association determined to show commitment to inclusion and diversity
Seven people from diverse backgrounds have been appointed to the LTA Council.
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray’s tips on how to make sure you stay injury-free when tennis resumes after lockdown
Andy Murray is back with some tips.