Venus and Serena Williams’ father, Richard Williams, has always been protective of his daughters. He has often spoken about how his major goal was to protect them from the atrocities of the world. However, his ways of safeguarding his daughter troubled some people.
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Williams has always vocalized his thoughts regardless of the outcome they might bring. It can be considered brave. But at the same time, his words can be a little numb to others’ feelings, as Chris Evert pointed out in one of her past interviews.
Chris Evert condemns Richard Williams’ behavior
Evert who herself received some harsh words spoke about how Richard’s beliefs and ways of communicating were troublesome and hurtful. She said, “I kind of feel sorry for him if he is that angry and bitter about tennis players. I’m not going to compound it. I think it’s unacceptable.”
Further, she added, “If my parents had come out with quotes like that, I think people would make a bigger deal about it. He has a history of saying things that are unacceptable. And I don’t really think many people in tennis listen to him anymore. So if I make a stink about it, it’s just going to draw attention to it. That’s why I didn’t say anything.”
Williams accused other WTA players of having a bad and unsupportive attitude toward his daughters, and referred to Evert and Tracy Austin as ‘little white no-good trashers.’
Where are Venus and Serena Williams currently in terms of tennis?
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Both the former World No.1s kept out of the circuit for quite some time before making a comeback in the grass swing. However, their comebacks failed to garner the results fans expected. While Serena took part in Eastbourne Internation alongside Ons Jabeur to sharpen her skills for the Wimbledon Championship. Venus made an unexpected entry in the doubles of the Grand Slam.
The 23 times Grand Slam champion after having a semifinal run in the WTA 500 event of Eastbourne locked horns with the French tennis professional Harmony Tan. In a fierce battle of three sets. The seven-time Wimbledon champion failed to secure a spot in the second round. Further, with this defeat, she also lost the golden opportunity of touching the milestone of 100 match wins in London.
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Watch this story: Meghan Markle and Serena Williams’ Friendship Over the Years
Speaking of Venus Williams. The seven-time Grand Slam champion claimed victory in her first match along with partner Jamie Murray. But they couldn’t manage to reach the quarterfinals. And walked out of the tournament after getting out-muscled by a British duo in the next round.