‘Created a New Culture in Tennis’ – Nike’s Vice President Once Revealed How Serena Williams Created an Inspiring Legacy

During her illustrious career, Serena Williams has not only won titles but won hearts too. Apart from her on-court exploits, the 23-time Grand Slam champion raised her voice against social inequality such as bridging the gender pay gap. The American legend once received words of praise from Nike’s Vice President.

On the court, time and again, she has displayed a tremendous fighting spirit to overcome all odds to become the best. Moreover, it is difficult to imagine if any player could replicate the success she achieved on the tennis court.

Serena Williams’ lasting impact on the world

The younger Williams sister has a long-time association with Nike. The company’s Vice President of women’s apparel design, Tania Flynn, once heaped praise on the 23-time Grand Slam champion. She said, “Whether it was wearing the beads and braids in her hair, or her looks, which were very polarizing, people were concerned about her supporting the traditions of tennis.”

Further, she went on to add, “But Serena created a new culture in tennis, and that’s what is so inspiring and so lasting in terms of her legacy.”

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Emma Raducanu, inspired by victory over Serena

In the recently concluded Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, the British star defeated Serena in the first round of the tournament. It was a dominant performance by the 19-year-old, who inflicted a bagel on the American legend. Talking about her victory, she said, “To play back-to-back days between the first and second, it was a pretty quick turnover.” Subsequently, she went on to defeat Victoria Azarenka in the second round as well.

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Raducanu will take the confidence of her victory over the two former World Number 1s to the US Open. However, she will face a monstrous task of retaining the last Grand Slam tournament of the season, as she is the defending champion.