‘I Don’t Want People to Hate Me’- Serena Williams’ Father Richard Williams Never Wanted Documentary Starring Will Smith to Be Made

We do not have to think twice before acknowledging the role of Richard Williams in shaping the careers of two of the best tennis players in the world. Venus and Serena Williams started their rigorous training when they were very young and their father did not lag in any progress of theirs.

The Oscar-winning movie ‘King Richard’ was released last year and depicted the role of Richard Williams in shaping the tennis career of both Venus and Serena Williams. The participation of the family members backed its formation to depict the real nature of the enigmatic father whom people often saw in a slightly contentious light.

How did Richard Williams react to a movie being made up about him?

Both Venus and Serena Williams were active participants in the movie’s making. The family narrated the depiction of the role played by Richard Williams. However, Richard Williams was apprehensive about a movie being made about him. Isha Price, daughter, and executive producer said, “He’d say, ‘I don’t know if I want them to do the film. I don’t want people to hate me.”

But she assured that they will portray the actual role that he had played in shaping the lives of Venus and Serena Williams. She assured him, “Daddy, first of all, we would never be a part of anything where people were going to vilify you (just) because they didn’t understand you. But we got to tell the truth.” To this, he said, “Oh, I always want you to be honest.”

READ MORE: ‘Criticism Can Bring the Best..’ – Venus and Serena Williams’ Father Once Used ‘Heckling’ as a Tool to Train His Daughters

Contrary to the belief that he pushed his daughters too much, he protected them from the toxic culture of junior tennis.

How did the role of both parents help the Williams sisters grow?

It might not highlight the role of the other breadwinner of the family that much, but Oracene Price was the matriarch who guided her sisters as much as their father. She was deciding how there should be a distribution of roles. She herself was a coach to the daughters. Isha Price said, “We were willing to tell the tough stuff”.

With the help of his wife, Richard Williams achieved his dream of making his daughters realize their potential and pursue their dreams.

Both players ended up being the WTA World No.1. Venus Williams won 7 grand slam titles while Serena Williams won 23.

WATCH THIS STORY: Will Smith Shows How King Richard Cast Trained Like Serena and Venus Williams

They both are still active and Serena Williams has announced her participation at the National Bank Open in Toronto after her first-round defeat at the Wimbledon Championships 2022.