After Creating Biggest British Upset at Wimbledon, Late-Blooming American Star Sings Venus and Serena Williams’ Praises for Instilling Diversity in Tennis – ‘You See So Many Girls..’

When the sport began, tennis was mostly a sport for the elites of the society. The sport comprised players from the upper echelon, and diversity was just a word. However, times changed as players from several backgrounds started making a name for themselves. Althea Gibson, Arthur Ashe, and Zina Garrison became remarkable players who paved the way for aspiring black tennis players. Inspired by their efforts, more aspiring players felt confident to pursue the racket sport. Chris Eubanks is one player who is carrying on the tradition of improving diversity from his predecessors. But the American player is quick to defer notable work to stars like Venus Williams and Serena Williams.

Chris Eubanks quick to praise Venus and Serena Williams

With his latest victory in Wimbledon over Cameron Norrie, Eubanks created a big upset for the British fans. The American player has struggled against the top players throughout his career. But he enjoyed one of the biggest wins of his career in the second round of the grass-court Grand Slam. Following his victory, Eubanks interviewed Tennis Majors. In the exclusive, the American player was asked what role he plays when it comes to increasing diversity in tennis. 

The ATP number 43 was quick to say, “It’s tough to say I play a role.”

Inspired by great black athletes before him, Eubanks felt that those who came before played a much bigger role than him. Especially the Williams sisters, who changed the dynamic of the sport with their dominance in the WTA. 

“I think there’s no secret when you see the amount of diversity, especially on the women’s side coming up post-Venus and Serena.“

He gave a straightforward answer when elaborating on Venus and Serena Williams’ impact on the sport. The American player said that the bigger impact has obviously been on the women’s side of tennis. 

“You see so many girls who are able to look up and see the most successful athlete of all time who looks like them and wanting to get into tennis. It’s no secret there have been probably more diversity on the women’s side.”

Read more – ‘They Always Had Their Own Road’ – Despite Numerous Battles, Victoria Azarenka Urges Tennis World to Remember Venus and Serena Williams’ Legacy With a Stirring Message

Eubanks himself has probably inspired aspiring players he is unaware of. But him passing on the praise to the Williams sister is a sign of the significance of their impact.

The impact of Williams’ sisters

Even if the two may not have had the intention to improve the sport on the diversity front, they have certainly done so to a great extent. With sexism and racism occupying a significant space, the Williams sisters have had a huge impact on the situation.

After facing a crowd at the Indian Wells which booed the Williams sisters with racist chants, they boycotted the event for almost 15 years. Fighting against the setbacks, they have ushered in a new era of the game.

Watch this story – ‘You Need To Frame It and Sell It..’- Serena Williams’ $70 Million Worth Husband Alexis Ohanian Receives Giant Auction Advice As Olympia’s Talent Soars High

However, their efforts are not only limited to the court. The sisters have also engaged in efforts to improve the situation of women and people of color in fields unrelated to tennis, such as entrepreneurship, through their venture capital firms.

Do you agree with Eubanks about the impact of the Williams sisters?