Serena Williams Parents, Family, Controversy

Publish date: 2024-05-03

Richard Williams and Oracene Price have been unwavering pillars of support for Serena and Venus Williams throughout their tennis careers, shaping their journey on and off the court.

Join as we delve into Serena and Venus Williams’ Parents, Richard Williams and Oracene Price

A Love Story at a Bus Stop

The story of the Williams family began at a bus stop in Los Angeles in 1979 when Richard first laid eyes on Oracene.

Enchanted by her “big old gorgeous beautiful legs,” he boldly declared his desire to marry her and have five daughters.

The couple married in 1980, welcoming Venus in 1980 and Serena in 1981, blending their families from previous marriages.

Oracene had three daughters from her previous marriage, and tragedy struck in 2003 when Yetunde, Serena and Venus’s older half-sister, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Compton.

The family has faced hardships, but Serena acknowledges the support that helped them persevere.

California to Florida: A Tennis Odyssey

Serena and Venus first picked up tennis racquets in Compton, California, under the guidance of their parents.

The family later relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida, seeking opportunities to nurture the sisters’ tennis talents.

Their move was pivotal, leading them to Rick Macci’s tennis academy, where the bond between the Williams family and Macci deepened.

While both Richard and Oracene were instrumental in their daughters’ development, they approached parenting differently.

Oracene, described as the “calming force,” focused on ensuring the girls had a balanced life.

Macci credits her as the “backbone” and “master puppeteer” behind their success.

Richard: Visionary Coach

Richard Williams, despite not having a background in tennis, envisioned a plan for his daughters after being inspired by a Romanian player’s success.

His coaching methods, considered unconventional by some, aimed for a holistic development that combined academics and tennis.

After pulling the girls out of junior tournaments due to racism and a desire for equal focus on education, Richard became their coach.

The results were extraordinary – Serena won her first Grand Slam at 17, and Venus secured her first Wimbledon title at 20.

Oracene: The Financial Backbone

When Richard chose to focus solely on coaching, Oracene stepped up to support the family financially.

Serena acknowledges the sacrifices her mother made, quitting her job to ensure the family’s stability while Richard pursued their daughters’ tennis careers.

In an era where such decisions might be unconventional, Oracene’s commitment to her family’s dream is commendable.

Serena, now a mother herself, looks back with gratitude for the faith and support her mother provided.

Oracene: The Role Model

Serena, reflecting on her own journey into motherhood, considers Oracene her role model.

In a heartfelt letter posted on Reddit, Serena praised her mother’s strength and class, vowing to instill the same fortitude in her daughter.

Oracene’s ability to navigate challenges while maintaining grace has left an indelible mark on Serena.

This has led to shaping her tennis career and also her approach to life.

Richard’s Memoir: A Life Beyond Tennis

In 2014, Richard published his memoir, “Black and White: The Way I See It,”.

He detailed his life from segregated Shreveport to coaching his daughters.

Richard was  initially hesitant to release it.

Serena’s encouragement led to its publication.

This led to offering insights into a life that extended far beyond the tennis court.

Prioritizing Mental Health: Oracene’s Wisdom

Venus, partnering with BetterHelp for mental health initiatives, credits her mother for emphasizing therapy and well-being.

Oracene’s has strong belief in the importance of mental strength and preparation.

This has played a significant role in shaping her daughters’ resilience.

Will Smith’s Portrayal: A Controversial Acknowledgment

Despite the controversial incident at the 2022 Academy Awards, Richard Williams stands by Will Smith’s portrayal in “King Richard.”

He appreciates Smith’s performance, acknowledging the challenges of capturing his multifaceted life beyond tennis.

FAQs

Q: How did Richard and Oracene meet?

A: Richard first met Oracene at a bus stop in Los Angeles in 1979.

Q: What prompted the family’s move from California to Florida?

A: The family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, to provide better opportunities for Serena and Venus’s tennis careers.

Q: How did Richard coach his daughters despite not having a tennis background?

A: Richard developed a vision for his daughters’ success after being inspired by a Romanian tennis player. He taught himself tennis through instructional videos and became their coach.

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