20 Years Later and the Williams Sisters Still Dominate
Venus and Serena Williams posed for Harper’s Bazaar March issue wearing black one-piece bathing suits and Cartier jewelry. The tennis champions modeled a variety of high-end pieces in the issue that were later posted by Serena on Instagram.
Venus made her professional debut in 1994, and Serena followed in 1995. They are still dominating the court nearly 20 years later. Between the two of them, they have 48 Grand Slam titles, 14 of which they share as women’s double titles. Not only do they share the court, but they also run an interior design company, fashion lines, and a venture capital firm.
The Williams sisters grew up in Compton, California. Their upbringing is depicted in the film King Richard executive produced by both sisters. It tells the story of their early years through their father’s eyes, who is played by Will Smith.
“I don’t think people even thought about what happened before we turned pro,” Venus told Harper’s Bazaar. “This isn’t a movie about tennis,” Serena added. “This is a movie about family.”
The sisters spoke about their upcoming film, their father, and what their plans are after retiring from tennis.
“From such a young age, all we’ve done is work,” stated Venus. “For Serena and I to explore that freedom is surreal.”
For years the sisters’ main focus has been tennis, but as they discuss their future off the court, it seems they are ready for another challenge.
“Serena and I say we’re going to become bodybuilders after tennis,” teased Venus. “It might be extreme. It might not happen exactly like that, but you never know.”
But not to fear, they might not be ready to fully leave the court just yet.
“That’s something I don’t think about nor do I want,” stated Serena. “I don’t want to think about what I’m leaving. I just think about who I am every single day behind closed doors and behind cameras. And that’s what I focus on.”
Venus and Serena are an inspiration to many. Their film dives deep into how they went on to become one of the best tennis players. Serena said her father always prioritized their health over their careers.
“A lot of people get this different story of sports fathers — especially tennis fathers, who are really overbearing,” Serena explained. “And that wasn’t necessarily my dad. Everyone’s like, ‘Well, how do you play tennis for so long?’ It’s because we weren’t raised in an environment where it was something that we abhorred.”
Harper’s Bazaar March 2022 issue will be available to purchase on March 1.
