The release of the historical film ‘Ruler Richard’ has prompted Serena and Venus Williams to reflect on their illustrious and lengthy careers, as seen through the perspective of their father, Richard Williams.
The film delves into the early years of the remarkable duo, highlighting significant on-court moments that helped shape Serena and Venus’ characters.
In a recent interview with USA Today, Venus Williams recalled a match she played against Arantxa Sanchez Vicario at the age of 14. Making her debut at the Bank of the West Classic tournament, Venus initially led the then-World No. 2 by a set and a break. However, after a restroom break taken by Sanchez Vicario while trailing 1-3 in the second set, Venus experienced a significant downturn in her performance.
Reflecting on the match, Venus admitted feeling devastated afterward, recognizing that she should have won. Despite the loss, she acknowledged the valuable lessons learned, including the importance of perseverance and avoiding being too hard on oneself.
Richard Williams, who introduced his daughters to tennis, offered a slightly different perspective on Venus’ loss to Sanchez Vicario. While he was pleased with her performance, he expressed relief that she lost, believing it provided an opportunity for her to take a break from tennis and enjoy her teenage years.
Overall, the film ‘Ruler Richard’ and Venus’ recollection of pivotal moments in her career offer insights into the challenges and growth experienced by the Williams sisters, both on and off the court, under the guidance of their father.