‘These Girls Have Raised the Bar’- When Venus and Serena Williams’ Mammoth Feat at US Open Made Arthur Ashe’s Wife Reveal an Emotional Wish

Venus and Serena Williams are the legends of tennis. They have set records, broken old ones, and surpassed all stereotypes to be the torchbearers of tennis. So, in 2001, when the two sisters reached the finals of the US Open, Arthur Ashe’s wife, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, could not help but be proud of them like they were her daughters.

Furthermore, she wished her husband, legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe to be able to witness it himself. The two sisters became the hopes of millions of people around the world and marked their names in Black history.

Arthur Ashe’s wife hailed Venus and Serena Williams for their performance

The two sisters created a big moment in history by breaking away from the conventional tone of tennis. They wore their identity in a startingly different world with pride which motivated millions. In 2001, US Open finals at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Venus and Serena Williams faced each other in their first-ever grand slam finals. Moreover, Venus Williams reigned over her younger sister to clinch the title.

Arthur Ashe, a legendary tennis player, became the first black player to win a men’s singles championship at US Open in 1968. Following that, he won the Australian Open in 1970 and Wimbledon in 1975. When Venus and Serena Williams created history in 2001, his wife said, “Tennis has come to a different level now; these girls have raised the bar.” After the match, she could not help but be proud of the dynamic duo.

READ MORE: ‘Americans Only Care About Who Won This Year’ -’King’ Richard’s Pearls of Wisdom to Venus and Serena Williams on How to Be a Well-Rounded Athlete

She said, “I feel tonight the way I’ll feel at my daughter’s high school and college graduations.” Furthermore, she said, “Arthur would have liked to have been here for them because we’re all beneficiaries. They’ve done a wonderful job.”

Arthur Ashe and the Williams sisters

These three tennis players changed the course of tennis. They brought inclusivity to the sport which was conventionally not like that. Moreover, the two sisters became a powerful force both individually as well as together. Venus Williams won seven grand slam titles and 49 singles titles. On the other hand, Serena Williams won 23 grand slam titles with 73 singles titles.

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

Together, they both won 14 grand slam titles in the doubles category totally smashing the records in the tennis realm. These three players have become the motivation of iconic players like Coco Gauff, Frances Tiafoe, F1 racer Lewis Hamilton, and gymnast Simone Biles.