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USA Today via Reuters
Sep 2, 2022; Flushing, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the United States gestures to the crowd after a match against Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia on day five of the 2022 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-09-03T025232Z_1358518478_MT1USATODAY18972861_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-US-OPEN.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 2, 2022; Flushing, NY, USA; Serena Williams of the United States gestures to the crowd after a match against Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia on day five of the 2022 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
Reilly Opelka, the American tennis player, recently shared his appreciation for Serena Williams, as she was honored by the Smithsonian. The Williams sisters were honored with portraits and awards at the National Portrait Gallery. Artist Toyin Ojih Odutola decided to portray Serena in a simpler mood- one of relaxation and joy. He also portrayed the sisters in vibrant color and lighting.
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The sisters have shattered barriers both on and off the tennis court, over their 27-year-long careers. Reilly Opelka acknowledged in his comment on Instagram that Serena deserved the honor.
Opelka shares his views on Serena Williams’ latest honor
At the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian, Serena and her elder sister Venus Williams were the honorees in attendance. The Williams sisters, American record producer Clive Davis, Chief Medical Advisor to the US President Anthony Fauci, and others were among the museum’s seven recipients of the Portrait of the Nation award.
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Opelka shared his wishes to his compatriot via a comment on Serena’s post. He wrote, “If there’s anyone that knows how to hold a trophy that is you.” Many celebrities and athletes shared their congratulatory messages for the ‘GOAT’ & 23 times Grand Slam Champion.
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Serena Williams, who retired from tennis this year after the 2022 US Open, expressed her excitement at the event. The honor is given to people who have significantly improved American society. The player’s confident demeanor is vividly portrayed in the portrait of Serena.
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The ‘Double Portrait of Venus Williams’ was created by Robert Pruitt. Pruitt, who is well known for his conté-style drawings, shows the tennis legend in fashionable armor that radiates her confidence both on and off the court. Over 23,000 permanent portraits, including those of Abraham Lincoln and Aretha Franklin, will be joined by the new commissions.
Opelka once disclosed Serena and Venus’ positions on the all-time list
The Williams sisters and Reilly Opelka have been close friends for a long time. According to Opelka, Serena Williams is the greatest tennis player by a mile, and her elder sister, Venus, is the second-best player in tennis history.
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Watch This Story: Serena Williams once revealed her dislike for money but made a huge exception for her daughter Olympia
Opelka, the top-ranked American in men’s tennis, also talked about the unreakable bond shared by the Williams sisters. He talked about how Serena’s sister Venus has been instrumental in all of Serena’s victories. Let us know what you think about the Williams sisters in your comments below.
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