In the unpredictable world of tennis, being “grounded” can always make you a step ahead in your journey. But Serena and Venus Williams do not need to worry about that. This is because, behind their successful tenure in tennis, they have special guidance steering them forward. It is none other than her mother, Oracene Price.

In her latest interview with the Hamilton College community, Venus Williams was asked about the role that her mother played in her upbringing. Williams quickly responded, “She’s the woman with the values. She’s the grounding force. So without my mom, I don’t think we could have done anything we did in the sport.”

Venus Williams’ contribution to tennis is huge. With four Olympic gold medals in her career, Williams is the first African American to achieve the No. 1 ranking in the history of the sport. But amid all the glory of success, she remained firm in her belief in being who she is, with or without success.

And her mother, who coached Williams’ during her childhood, is the one instilling these values in her. Further, when asked about how much her mother’s values have impacted her success, she responded, “Everything.” She further explained that it is her mother who has helped her take a stand for something that she believes in. The result was clear to the world when she took a stand for equal prize pay for female athletes in tennis.

Venus Williams has always been open about her mother being a “strong role model” during her childhood. She has also spoken about how her mother helped her to think and feel independent growing up.

Williams has also never shied away from expressing how her confidence on the court is also a gift from her mother’s strong values. When she was about to make a comeback in the 2024 season, Price advised her to be cautious of the world. However, her mother is not the only one who was close to her growing up. It was her sister as well!

Venus Williams talks about her “best friends” growing up

Venus Williams has spent her childhood growing up with her five siblings. But she is the closest to Serena Williams, who has supported her both on and off the court. Be it motivating her to make a successful comeback in 2024 or supporting her in her business ventures off the court, Serena Williams was there all along.

However, apart from her, Williams often shares her beautiful bond with all of her other siblings. Recently, in an interview, she addressed this and said, “We all develop at different paces. So my sisters were my best friends. I just didn’t have the social skills yet. I’ve learned a few things since.”

Even during her interview, her sister, Isha Price, was there to cheer for her. However, apart from them, Venus Williams also has three other siblings. They are Lyndrea Price, Richard Williams, and the late Yetunde Price. And together with her siblings and her mother, Venus Williams has shown the world that family’s immense support can do wonders in one’s life!