“Wasn’t a Positive Body Image”- Serena Williams Reveals Her Insecurities

Serena Williams has been an inspiration for many years. The winner of 23 Grand Slam titles, Williams had a rough journey coming to the stage she is now. Even after putting in top-notch performances year after year, she had been underpaid and undervalued. Hailing from an African-American family often she had to face the ax of the society.

Serena has talked about her struggles throughout her career, especially during the early stages. Growing up wasn’t a cakewalk for her either. However, conquering all these impediments and doing it in style, she has become one of the greatest of all times. Her journey through the years has become an inspiration for millions.

Serena and Venus Williams, despite being sisters, are different from each other. Serena is a well-built athlete while Venus is on the slender side. This difference held true from the early days.

“When I was growing up, what was celebrated was different,” Williams stated. “Venus looked more like what is really acceptable. She has incredibly long legs, she’s really, really thin. I didn’t see people on TV that looked like me, who were thick. There wasn’t a positive body image. It was a different age.”

Otherization of Serena Williams in the circuit

The former world number 1 has sadly even had to face instances of racism and sexism in her career. Back in 2001, the Williams family was subjected to racial hurls by the audience in the Indian Wells Open final. Serena abstained from playing there for 14 long years as a sign of protest. She did go on to start playing the tournament in 2015.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King had praised Williams back in 2018. A frustrated Serena Williams had smashed a racquet at the US Open. The altercation that followed had made for the bigger news than the result of the Grand Slam final. Following this incident, Billie Jean King applauded her for exposing the “double standards” towards female players.