Serena Williams gave a winning answer in a post-match press conference on Saturday.
What We Know:
- During a press conference, a reporter asked Williams to respond to people suggesting that she should focus on tennis, instead of her activism and her new family.
- The reporter stated one of the comments came from tennis icon, Billie Jean King. King said of Williams, “She’s got business, a baby, she’s trying to help gender equity, particularly for women of color,” according to Be in Sports.
- King continued, “I wish she would just make a commitment for the next year and a half to two years and just say, ‘I’m going to absolutely devote what’s necessary for my tennis so when I look in the mirror when I’m older that I can go back in my mind and know I gave everything I had…” King added, “If she’s happy doing it this way it’s fine. It’s not about us.”
- Williams responded: “The day I stop fighting for equality- and for people that look like you and me, will be the day I’m in my grave.”
- The tennis star is an activist and an investor. Williams has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2011.
- Forbes reported Williams has invested in 34 startups over the past five years in a portfolio worth at least $10 million. 60% of the investments have gone to companies founded by women and minorities.
- Williams also launched a clothing line in 2018, S by Serena.
Williams plans to continue doing the work she believes in and acing the tennis world. If anyone can do it, it’s her.
