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Serena Williams, of the United States, blows a kiss to the crowd after defeating Danka Kovinic, of Montenegro, during the first round of the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Serena Williams has dominated tennis for more than two decades with incredible passion and athleticism – and when she hinted at retirement earlier this summer, an outpouring of support proved she’s forever changed the game. But in order to get to the top of her sport, she and her sister Venus faced a steep uphill climb in an exclusive, elite, expensive and often unwelcoming sport.
Even under scrutiny for her behavior on the court, her appearance, and boldness, she smashed records, perfected a serve that is unmatched and became the mold for future players. As fans pack Arthur Ashe Stadium to witness what is perhaps her final time competing in the U.S. Open, we’ll talk about Williams’ legacy, how she transformed the sport of tennis and paved the way for future generations of players.
Ava Wallace, Sports reporter at The Washington Post (@AvaRWallace)
Jason Gay, Sportswriter at The Wall Street Journal (@jasongay)
The Washington Post Without big sister Venus, the Serena Williams story could never be told “But throwing a little ceremony Venus’s way is necessary as her sister’s legacy is analyzed in the coming days because of one thing: No retrospective on Serena’s career is complete without her.”
The Wall Street Journal Serena Williams will be forever “There’s never been a player in women’s tennis like Williams in full command. No one has ever unleashed such an awe-striking combination of power and shotmaking—the ability to make world class professionals look helpless as they’re breezed off the court in 45 minutes.”
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