Serena Williams ‘paved the way’ for mothers to keep playing tennis, says Martina Navratilova
Serena Williams ‘paved the way’ for mothers to keep playing tennis, says Martina Navratilova
Serena Williams has ‘paved the way’ for tennis mothers to keep playing, says Martina Navratilova. The world’s no. 2 player told the BBC’s Serena Williams: ‘She paved the way for women to play tennis and keep playing.’
This Friday, Martina Navratilova will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame alongside four other legends of women’s tennis: Venus and Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles and Martina Hingis.
In an interview with The Times ahead of Navratilova’s induction ceremony, Serena spoke about her former rival, and revealed that she feels proud to be seen as part of an historic collection of tennis greats.
The world’s number two tennis player Serena Williams told the BBC’s Serena Williams that she feels proud to be seen as one of the best players in history. “I feel like I’m part of history. You know, you’re part of a very old tradition,” Williams said.
Her speech comes after her return to the court from an 11-month lay-off following the birth of her daughter, Alexis.
Williams is the first athlete to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, as she was on Friday. The induction ceremony will take place in New York City on 19 October – the same day as US Open action begins.
As usual, the ITHOF honours a player with an incredible career, but it is also seen as a tribute to the game of tennis.
Williams has also been honoured to be in the hall of fame, but she was not the first to be honoured because of her achievements.
The ITHOF is also the first sports