The Conversation (0)
Lowenna Waters
Jul 15, 2019
There are no two ways about it, Serena Williams is an absolute hero. And it's unsurprising that she's consolidated this hero status once again in a post-match interview.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday shortly after her loss to Romanian Simona Halep in the Wimbledon final, marking her third consecutive defeat in a Grand Slam final, Williams had the perfect response to reporters' concerns over her dedication to the sport.
In one question, a reporter said:
Serena, sorry, this is kind of a negative one, but there have been a few comments made in recent weeks from people such as Billie Jean-King, that maybe you should stop being a celebrity for a year, and stop fighting for equaliy, and just focus on the tennis.Â
How do you respond to that?Â
Serena's volley back? It quite simply couldn't have been more powerful. In response, she said:
Well, 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.
It goes without saying that the clip was quickly shared on social media, where it went viral and with most people praising her comments:
People loved the comments.
Some summed it up.
This isn't the first time Williams has been outspoken on the issue of tennis and women's equality. Last week, she re-tweeted a post from tennis legend Billie Jean King, calling for the women's soccer team to earn equal money following the World Cup victory.
In a tweet, Williams wrote:
Congrats team USA! Billie says it best here! So happy for each one of you and so proud
The tweet she shared from Jean King said:
Congratulations to the #USWNT on their 4th World Cup win! These athletes have brought more attention, support, & pride to women’s sport than perhaps any other team in history. It is long past time to pay them what they rightly deserve.
HT The Hill
More: Serena Williams shares first photo of her baby daughter