‘Inspires Me and Hopefully Inspires Others’ – When Lewis Hamilton Was Full of Praise for Serena Williams After Her Powerful Message as a ‘Black Independent Woman’

Over the years, Serena Williams has inspired one and all with her powerful displays on the tennis court. Coming from a humble background, the American legend had to strive hard to achieve greatness in tennis. Nonetheless, she overcame all odds to become one of the greatest athletes ever, inspiring countless others to chase their dreams. In the past, Formula 1 legend, Lewis Hamilton, revealed taking inspiration from Serena.

Not only has she inspired her fans but also her fellow tennis players. Take the example of Coco Gauff. The American sensation has time and again revealed how she grew up watching Serena and taking inspiration from her.

Serena Williams once inspired Lewis Hamilton with her strong message

The British star went all out in praise for Serena, saying, “I’m very much with her in what she said. I thought it was beautiful what she wrote as a powerful, independent black woman. I just think she’s awesome.”

Further, he went on to add, “She’s not only one of the greatest people I know, but she’s just a born leader and so rather than react in a negative way, reading what she’s written just inspires me and hopefully inspires others.”

DIVE DEEPER: ‘I Even Let Mama Borrow My Lucky Shirt’ – Alexis Ohanian Reacts After Serena Williams Rocks Out Along With Her Sister Venus at Alice in Chains Concert

Earlier, former French Open and US Open champion, Ilie Nastase had made harsh comments about Serena while she was pregnant with her first child. At a Fed Cup conference in 2017, Nastase was asked about the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s pregnancy. His reply, “Let’s see what color it has. Chocolate with milk?” lead to widespread controversy.

Serena responded to this comment with a strong-worded message, inviting praises from Hamilton and the rest of the sporting world. She said, “I have said it once and I’ll say it again, this world has come so far but yet we have so much further to go.”

Ilie Nastase apologized for his comments

The former World Number 1 faced a huge backlash for his harsh comments about Serena. Additionally, the International Tennis Federation also launched an investigation into his comments.

Subsequently, he issued an apology, saying, “I know that nothing can really excuse my words, nor a high-level match, not the nonconformist attitude I am now known for, not the unfortunate amplification of the situation.”

WATCH THE STORY: Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian, Martina Navratilova, and Billie Jean King pay tribute to the American legend Bill Russell

Further, he added, “My life remains dedicated to tennis and its public and I ask you to accept, as much as is possible, my apologies.”

During the time of this incident, Nastase was the captain of the Romanian Fed Cup team.