‘Definitely Ruining the Mood’- Despite Losing in Her First-Ever Slam Final, Venus Williams’ Immense Grit in Full Display as She Cleverly Shut Down Reporters

Venus Williams debuted at a very tender age. She was just a teenager when she started playing professional tennis and gained fame. However, her words never reflected her age. She always gave well-calculated and reasoned statements. The best example of the same is when she handled the ruckus regarding color created in 1997.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion kept her calm when reporters tried to squeeze a statement out of her. And then with a witty response buried the entire potentially hazardous matter. Here are the details of the entire incident and what she said. 

Venus Williams’ befitting response

During the US Open of the 1997 season, the rumor of Williams being an arrogant person was spreading like fire and the entire issue got escalated when Irina Spirlea called her out at the semifinals. As a response to the allegation, Williams’ father, Richard, pointed out how racial slurs were passed around throughout the event.

“I think with this moment in the first year in Arthur Ashe Stadium, it all represents everyone being together, everyone having a chance to play,” Williams said when asked to address the matter.

 Thereafter she added, “So I think this is definitely ruining the mood, these questions about racism.” Martina Hingis, who fought against Williams in the finals, also denounced the matter later. 

Read more: ‘I’m Trying to Grow Up’ – 41-Year-Old Serena Williams Discloses How She Still Tries Hard to Not Be a Copycat of Her Elder Sister Venus

Coming to the result of the Majors. In the finals, the Swiss tennis ace secured her first and last US Open trophy by defeating the American in straight sets of 6-0 6-4. Williams’ first Grand Slam trophy came in the year 1999. She first reigned in the clay courts of France and then clinched the trophy at the US Open.

When Williams was compared to Tiger Woods

Amidst all the mayhem of racism and disrespect, fans paid attention to the skills Williams harbored. Golf and tennis have nothing in common other than being an individual sport. However, the hold one has on the game can be put to comparison. 

Watch this story: Will Smith Shows How King Richard Cast Trained Like Serena and Venus Williams

Just like Woods, the former World No 1 took over the sport. She stormed the courts and in the year 1997 emerged as one of the most competent WTA players. People compared her intensity with Tiger Woods and even she herself believed that they had some factors in common. “He’s different from the mainstream, and in tennis I also am,” she said.  

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