In a recent interview with Insider, Serena Williams spoke about the relentless criticism she has experienced, and how it has affected her.
“Growing up in the public eye, you really are affected by what people say,” said the tennis star. In the past, Serena has been ridiculed for things such as her outfits and body.
Serena Williams flaunts her legs in a pink dress from her S by Serena collection at the 2022 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon held at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on March 24, 2022 (Credit: Fayes Vision / Startraksphoto)
It got to the point where she decided, “I don’t care what people think. God made us able to make our own decisions, and if people don’t want to like me, that’s okay. Get in line, there’s going to be a long waiting list.”
Serena says that nowadays the negativity is a huge motivation for her to do better. Her attitude is “that’s what I needed to hear. You’re going to regret what you just said.”
Serena Williams in an asymmetrical one-shoulder dress featuring a diagonal cutout detail (Credit: Fayes Vision / Startraksphoto)
Venture-capital funding is when investors will put money into emerging companies. Recently, Serena learned that less than 2% of women and less than 1% of people of color receive venture-capital funding.
To change that statistic, she decided to launch her own investment company called Serena Ventures.
Serena felt she had to get involved with the funding, “otherwise it’s going to be the same boy’s club, except not for a lot of black people.”
Serena Williams says she finds it motivating to prove people wrong (Credit: Fayes Vision / Startraksphoto)
In addition to this project, the tennis player is the mother of 4-year-old Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., whom she shares with her husband Alexis Ohanian, an entrepreneur.
“Mom guilt is real. I always feel so guilty when I’m doing something on my own,” she said about struggling to find enough time for her daughter.
Serena Williams shows off her feet in clear ankle-strap sandals (Credit: Fayes Vision / Startraksphoto)
“I don’t know if I’m a good mom, and I don’t know if my method works, but I’m very hands-on with my daughter,” she said, “and it was the same with our parents.”
Serena Williams attended “Taste of Tennis,” an event that celebrates local famous chefs and restaurants (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN)
Many people probably think that professional tennis players spend all their time practicing every single day. However, just days before the final Grand Slam of 2014, the world’s female World No. 1 tennis player was having fun in the Big Apple.
Serena Williams made the most of her stay in New York City a week before the 2014 US Open, where she successfully won her third women’s singles title in a row.
Serena Williams flaunts her legs in a short white sleeveless dress (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN)
In August 2014, the then 32-year-old athlete was at the Delta Air Lines karaoke event before she stopped by the Late Show with David Letterman, where she played tennis against the host.
Serena Williams makes sushi during Taste Of Tennis Week at the W New York Hotel (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN)
A day after showing off her tennis skills in high-heeled sandals, the defending US Open champion was seen in another pair of heeled shoes while making some sushi rolls alongside Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the 15th Annual Taste of Tennis Gala held at W Hotel.
Tennis player Serena Williams (L) and chef Masaharu Morimoto attend Taste Of Tennis Week: Taste Of Tennis Gala at the W New York on August 21, 2014, in New York City (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN)
Serena Williams showed off her styling prowess yet again in a short white sleeveless dress featuring a sheer mesh overlay, which displayed her athletic figure.
Serena Williams displays her feet in Alaia suede-and-mesh ankle boots (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN)
Completing her look were Alaia ankle boots with mesh inserts and black suede trims in a contoured curved design. They also have zipper fastenings at the back, open almond toes, and 4-inch heels.
Serena Williams shows off her feet in Alaia booties (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN)
Will you splurge on these Alaia ankle boots at Net-A-Porter?
Alaia Suede-and-Mesh Ankle Boots, €1,050
