Venus vs. Serena: When They Play We All Win

When NWA named their debut album ‘Straight Outta Compton’, it really has a duel meaning. Of course, it defines the music of the controversial gangster rap group, that brought us Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, and Ice Cube. It also  perfectly defines Venus and Serena, who  grew up on those same streets of Compton.

And, like NWA, they made history. In fact, I am sure there are those in the tennis world who have thought of the Williams’ sisters in terms of NWA (Niggas With Attitude). Tennis, much like golf, is historically a country club sport, for the rich and well to do. The sport on a global competition level has been dominated by whites..

Not that African-Americans don’t have a history in the sport. Lot’s of black folk played tennis, and Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe were great champions.

However,  they didn’t come into the game like the Williams’.  The sisters  were taught by their father, Richard,  who didn’t know a damn thing about tennis, except the women made a lot of money. He decided to learn the game, and teach his children. He did a brilliant job, his own way, foregoing  the tennis mainstream.

And folks say black men don’t care for their babies…smh. Richard Williams’  babies have won 13  major doubles titles, and three Olympic Gold medals in double. They have a combined  28 major titles (21 for Serena, seven for Venus), and $100 million in prize money. Their net worth off the court is believed to be a combined $300 million.

And, they haven’t run away from their blackness, they have embraced it. They wear braids, beads, exotic outfits while kicking ass throughout the tennis world. And when those like conservative commentator David Frum try to throw hate on the Williams Sister’s features, looks, and even performance enhancing drugs, they get a ‘fuck you,’ right back.

By the way, it is not a coincidence that some have tried to lessen the historic accomplishments of  Serena in tennis, and Tiger Woods in golf, by throwing out innuendos they have used performance enhancing drugs. Their fathers, Richard, and the late Earl Woods, were heavily criticized. Anything to try and diminish the accomplishments of their children. These people hate the fact blacks are dominating their sport.

Serena may  be  the greatest player in the history of the sport. A win at the U.S. Open will give her the 2015 Grand Slam. She has already claimed  victories in the Australian, French, Wimbledon. We tend to forget that Venus is a future hall of famer, and is one of the greatest players ever. She has 69 victories, including seven major titles. Serena has 96 titles, including 21 majors. Let’s just call it like it is, the Williams’  sisters are some bad sistas.

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