Shaquille O’Neal Once Revealed How Venus and Serena Williams Act as a Great Source of Inspiration for His Two Daughters

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal once revealed that seven-time Grand Slam title winner Venus Williams is one of his favorite athletes. He also described how the Williams sisters serve as role models for his daughters.

Venus Williams is admired not only in the United States but all over the world for her incredible on-court achievements. Many people admire her longevity and sense of style. Moreover, she is an icon of resilience and hard work for women all over the world. Shaquille O’Neal is one such admirer of Venus.

Venus and Serena Williams serve as role models for O’Neal’s daughters

O’Neal and Williams were once involved in an online discussion with Liam McGowan for SalesForce, a California-based cloud-based software company. The 7’1″ NBA legend revealed his admiration for Venus Williams during his conversation.

ALSO READ- ‘Wouldn’t That Be Great?’ – Venus Williams to Potentially Team Up With Her Sister Serena Williams to Play Doubles at the US Open

“Venus has always been one of my favorite athletes. You know a lady, a woman, a business person you know my daughters could look up to,” said Shaquille O’Neal while talking about Venus Williams and how she serves as a role model for his daughters.

He added, “When I was coming up I looked to the athletes… so Venus has always been someone, she is tall, she is beautiful, my daughters are tall and beautiful so whenever I have problems I always say look at Venus and Serena.“

Venus expressed her gratitude for the kind remarks of the basketball legend. She replied, “That’s so kind. Just the way he revolutionized the game and the only word in everybody’s mouth for like 20 years was Shaq.”

Williams sisters received surprise gifts from the US Open

The US Open organizers planned a great surprise for the legendary sister duo as a tribute. They decorated their locker room with pictures portraying the Williams sisters’ tennis careers, along with some lovely gifts for both sisters and Olympia.

Venus Williams is a former world number one who is widely regarded as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She has won seven Grand Slam singles titles along with another 14 Women’s Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Serena Williams. 

Although Serena announced her retirement from professional tennis earlier this month, there haven’t been any signs of a similar announcement from her elder sister, Venus. Nonetheless, the legendary Williams sisters have confirmed their participation in doubles in the upcoming US Open. Can Venus and Serena dominate the doubles category for the last time in Flushing Meadows? Let us know in the comments.

WATCH THIS STORY: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Others In The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis