SVW Power

 

Serena and Venus Williams are undoubtedly the biggest tennis phenomenon. Having grown up in a poor region in L.A., they ambitiously made their way from being ‘the girls from the ghetto’ to becoming world champions in tennis.

My interest in the sisters’ story stems from my childhood when my sister and I would spend our afternoons on the tennis court. We don’t, of course, have parents with such big tennis ambitions, but what we do have in common with the Williams sisters is the unbreakable bond. Just like them, we wouldn’t be separated for more than a couple of days and would do anything for each other.

This is, where I believe their biggest power comes from – their attachment, trust, and support for each other. The result is Serena and Venus becoming the first sisters to win Olympic gold in tennis. Their pride led them to be the best example for female athletes, as well as African-Americans in the sport. It has, however, been often accepted as a sign of arrogance, which has caused conflicts with their opponents on the court.

 

Despite this, and all of their public and health issues, they have been pushed and supported by their family throughout their careers. In fact, it was not until I watched their biographical documentary that I realized the importance of their father as a leading figure in their training as tennis machines. Richard Williams turns out to have planned their career long before they were even born, and his motivation lead the girls to acquire a practice of training various sports, including ballet, dance, jazz, and tae kwon do.

 

Their determination seems to go beyond limits, making them unbeatable opponents, and their bond is so strong that it makes them indestructible, whatever obstacles they go through. This is why I look up to them and admire their courage, taking inspiration from them for both my project work on tennis wear and the way I meet difficulties in life.

 

 

 

Image Sources: cdn-s3.si.com; gettyimages.com; ontennis.com; prettyhustlaz.com; static01.nyt.com