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
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”