If you’ve interacted with me for more than 10 minutes, you know that I love Serena Williams. I take being a fan to a whole new level. Some people say it’s unhealthy, but I disagree. For as long as I can remember, Serena has represented endless possibilities and has shown me where hard work can get you. Her life hasn’t been easy. Throughout her career, Serena has been harassed and written off. She’s endured family tragedies, health scares, and blatant racism. She’s been called out for looking too masculine and has been accused of taking drugs. For years, she wasn’t the highest paid female tennis player, even though she was the most successful. No matter what record she broke or challenge she overcame, her success was belittled. Thankfully, she never let the naysayers hold her back. In the past few years, it’s become increasingly obvious that Serena is in a league of her own but she still isn’t given the credit she deserves. People look at Serena and expect greatness without thinking about the work that goes into that greatness. In spite of all of this, or maybe because of it, Serena has solidified her place as the greatest tennis player of all time. Somehow a black girl from Compton has managed to dominate a white sport that never welcomed her.
Last Saturday, Serena lost in the Wimbledon final. I sobbed. Big, ugly tears that not even Kim K could compete with. I wanted the win more than I realized. The rational part of me knew that I was being ridiculous. Wimbledon was only Serena’s 4th tournament back from maternity leave. Ten months ago, Serena was in and out of surgery and didn’t know if she was going to survive. A few weeks ago, she had a pectoral injury and wasn’t sure if she would be able to play at Wimbledon. The fact that Serena made it to the finals is incredible. Her success at Wimbledon shows how resilient and determined Serena is. She managed to do something that most people can only dream of, months after literally fighting for her life. She shut up the critics and proved that she can be both a great tennis player and a great mother. Once again, Serena made something so difficult look effortless. Even though I didn’t get the ending I wanted, I am still so incredibly proud of everything Serena accomplished.
At the beginning of her comeback, Serena debuted the S pin and asked everyone what their S stood for. Thousands of people chimed in, baby Olympia included. I never posted my S because I couldn’t settle on one word. After watching Wimbledon, I came up with an answer. My S changes all the time but when it comes down to it, my S stands for Serena and for everything Serena stands for.
I am totally in the Serena fan club too! I think she is amazing and so impressive! I also love that she eats a plant-based diet during training season!! 🙂
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Serena is one of the best tennis players out there. Even the great ones have rusty days, she did just have a baby.
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I really think that she is an inspiration. She balances so much and still has time to play, and is a great sport when she doesn’t win. Great role model for girls!
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Serena is an inspiration! The way she recovered and came back to rule the game once more is commendable. You have written a wonderful tribute to this.
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I think it’s great you look up to a strong role model. You can do amazing things too!!
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I think Serena is a pretty good role model to look up to. I like how she works really hard and does not give up even in the face of trials. If more people had the work ethic that she has, our world would be much more productive place!
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she is such an incredible woman, athlete and role model. I love watching her play!
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I love Serena. She’s such an inspiratation to me too.
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Serena lives in my area (The Palm Beaches, Florida) and I’ve always admired her, too! What a beautiful tribute to a powerful role model.
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Serena Williams is such a great player and a role model for others. I’ve always admired her strength and self-discipline. I love your article, it’s so inspirational! 🙂
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She’s such a great role model and an amazing inspiration!!
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Serena is such an inspiration to everyone! Powerful, strong willed, beautiful woman. She is my favorite female athlete even though I am not a massive fan to tennis (however I do enjoy it and watch the major events).
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I appreciate stories of people that overcome all the hardships they’ve faced to become great! She is a great role model for others to know that they can accomplish whatever they want if they persevere.
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Serena Williams is one of the best tennis players in the world. She’s a great example of how hard work and perseverance could pay off.
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Serena williams is my favourite too. I can really feel and relate to the emotions you hold for her. Truely it is a lovely post
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I love Serena and her sister – Venus. They are an inspiration. They have showed us how hard work does pay off. They are too good to be ignored.
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Serena is one of the best tennis players and such an inspiration ..I love her resilient!!
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I strongly feel that there is nothing wrong in having such a well-known person as your ideal. I can totally relate to your thoughts that this strong woman has achieved so much just with her sheer passion, strong willpower and determination.
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We have to say… Your love for her is so evident in your writing and how you have framed this blog post. Love to you
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Serena Williams is not only one of the worlds greatest tennis players, she is a positive role model. She is an inspiration to so many women and girls and there is nothing wrong with your love and respect for her. She earned it!
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Serena williams is perfect example for persistence hard-working women. She is an inspiration to so many women and girls. It simply shows hard-work pays off you later or sooner.
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Serena Williams is my favourites too. She is a great player. I like her an inspiration to many woman.
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One of my fav ladies. Serena Williams is amazing and a truly talented individual for sure x
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Her achievements are very impressive and she is just our role model when it comes to motivation, learning from mistakes and more! She is leaving a legacy as a woman, a strong woman, who is saying that nothing is so impossible as it looks!
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I just love Serena for everything she is! She such a amazing inspiration to girls young and old.
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Serena Williams is definitely an inspiration! Love this open letter to her!
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Personally I too think Sernea Williams is an inspirational woman! She proves that hard work certainly does pay off.
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She’s so much more than the categories media places her into. Ultimately she’s me, you- just human. Great post
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