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via Getty
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 05: Richard Williams watches his daughter Venus Williams’ match against Jelena Jankovic of Serbia during day ten of the 2007 U.S. Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2007 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-76539986.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 05: Richard Williams watches his daughter Venus Williams’ match against Jelena Jankovic of Serbia during day ten of the 2007 U.S. Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2007 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Tennis fathers played a significant role in the sport as much as their daughters. Tennis fathers have shaped and coached their daughters into being great players like Richard and Venus and Serena Williams, Stefano and Jennifer Capriati, Peter and Steffi Graf, and Jimmy and Chrissie Evert.
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However, King Richard played a prominent role in making sure that his daughters remain attached to their roots and did not flow in the wrong direction. There was a time when Williams recalled a theory that helped keep Venus more subtle to the world.
King Richard on managing Venus’ thirst for victory
Serena and Venus Williams were grown in the shadow of their father, who also was their initial coach. However, the tennis dad came up with a superb plan to keep his daughter down to earth after having talent. Back in the day, Williams recollected how he never encouraged his elder daughter and said, “She’s too smart. Most tennis players are dumb.”
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via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 30, 2021 Venus Williams of the U.S. in action during her second round match against Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
To not jump to the level soon and move past a further speed, not like any other father, King Richard came up with a brilliant idea to keep her intact at a level and also said that he sometimes rooted against her in her matches. He said, “Every time she loses, I pay her $50,” adding, “Venus says she has more $50 bills than she knows what to do with.“
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She didn’t know what to do with that money and kept on collecting them. Further, he talked about how he was against Venus, who wanted to turn professional at the age of 14. He compared it with today’s generation saying, “But you can’t really say no to kids these days.” He said that her daughters were quite obedient to them.
Serena and Venus Williams’ upbringing
The Williams sisters were of African American heritage. They were aware of the difficulties associated with being a black tennis player. The tennis father bragged that his children had always been raised to obey their parents and had never disobeyed them.
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And mentioned how his daughter paid close attention to what he said. He also cited that he forbade the older sister from lifting weights until she was 21 years old.
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