John Lloyd, a renowned former professional tennis player from Britain, recently made a surprising revelation during his appearance on the “Inside-In” Tennis Podcast hosted by Mitch Michals. Lloyd, who reached an ATP world ranking of 21 during his career, shared his admiration for Venus Williams‘ remarkable dedication to the sport and shed light on her enduring love for the game.
During the podcast, John Lloyd reminisced about Richard Williams, Venus’ father, and his belief in his daughters’ tennis potential. Lloyd recalled the skepticism Richard Williams faced when he talked about how his daughters won’t play for long as they have other things in their life as well. However, both Richard and Lloyd were proven wrong as both the Williams sisters’ unwavering passion propelled them to play at the highest level for almost three decades.
A testament to the Williams sisters’ love for the game
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Lloyd acknowledged the unexpected duration of Venus Williams’ career, defying Richard Williams’ critics and expectations. He expressed his admiration for the Williams sisters, recognizing that the love they have for the game remains one of Richard’s proudest moments.
Lloyd marveled at their unwavering dedication, saying, “I remember Richard Williams saying it, he also got a lot of criticism over it, he said ‘Ah they’re not going to be playing that long, they got other things in their life.’ He didn’t know his daughters are gonna play as late as they have. The love of the game they have, I think it’s one of the proudest things he has in the many great moments he has with his daughters. The love of the game just shows through.”
Venus Williams’ remarkable journey beyond trophies
Lloyd also remarked that unlike her sister Serena Williams, who may have been driven by chasing records, Venus Williams’ dedication doesn’t come from any desire for personal accolades. Lloyd remarked, “Let’s face it, with Serena (Williams) you can say she was chasing records, and that kept her longer than she would have normally played, but Venus (Williams) isn’t going after any records, she just loves to play. She’s that sort of a person who just loves hitting the ball, and it’s wonderful to see it.”
Venus Williams’ career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Bursting onto the tennis scene as a promising young talent, she quickly established herself as a formidable force, captivating audiences worldwide. Throughout her journey, Venus has demonstrated unparalleled skill, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the sport.
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The 7-time Grand Slam champion’s impact extends far beyond the trophies she has won. She has become an inspirational figure, breaking barriers and defying expectations. Her grace, humility, and genuine love for tennis have earned her admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
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As the Williams sisters continue to inspire fans and athletes alike, they leave an indelible mark on the world of tennis, reminding us all the extraordinary achievements that can be realized through the power of pure passion for the game.
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