Feminist Serena Williams Once Lambasted Fellow American Player for His Ugly Tirade of Words on Anna Kournikova: ‘Never Know What People Go Through’

Over the years, watching Serena Williams play tennis has become part of our lives. The 40-year-old American has been an inspiration for many. She achieved unparalleled success and set a new benchmark for future generations.

However, Williams has ensured that her success translates into something positive for the people around her. And being a feminist, she is someone who has always stood for gender equality in and out the sport.

An example of the same was Serena’s comments when former player Justin Gimelstob mocked Russian star Anna Kournikova in a radio interview back in 2008. The 23-time Grand Slam champion rushed to the defense of her WTA colleague and critcized Gimelstob over his unwanted rant. 

Serena Williams stood against the wrong choice of words

Following Gimelstob’s remarks against Kournikova (whom he called “a b***h”), Serena gave an effective response.  According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Justin said,  “Hate is a very strong word – I just despise her to the maximum level just below hate. I’m going to serve it right at the body, about 128 (mph), right into her midriff.“

Later, he went on to apologize for the remarks he made. However, Serena Williams, who had reached round 16 of Wimbledon back then, claimed that Gimelstob’s remarks were unnecessary and stood by the Russian star.

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“Anna is a great girl. For anyone to say that about her is not professional. It’s just totally uncalled for. Unless you really know these people, you talk to these people, you never know what people go through,” said Williams.

Serena Williams, who was known for her emotional attitude on-court, faced numerous outbursts during key moments of her tennis career. The 2018 US Open final against Naomi Osaka is an example for the same. During the match, the former World no.1 claimed sexism on the part of umpire Carlos Ramos after receiving many code infractions.

Serena’s response on gender inequality

It was in 2016 that Serena Williams won convincingly against Elena Vesnina in the semifinals of Wimbledon. During the post-match interview, one of the reporters asked Serena about the feeling of being one of the best female athletes of all time. In response, the 40-year-old said, “I prefer the word one of the greatest ‘athletes’ of all time.”

After this reply, Twitter went crazy over her response and lauded her. This was one of many instances where she stood for herself.

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