For almost 30 years, Serena Williams carried the pressure of chasing greatness while also dealing with a sport that didn’t always accept her. In a recent interview, Williams opened up about what it was like being a Black athlete in a predominantly white sport and how much things have changed for today’s stars like Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka.
Serena Williams Speaks on the Changing Landscape for Black Tennis Stars
Serena’s journey from the courts of Compton to becoming one of the greatest was not easy. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, the American revealed that both she and Venus faced unfair stereotypes, and constant comments about their bodies.
During an interview with Porter magazine, the 23-time Grand Slam champion recalls that being Black in tennis came with an expectation of negativity during her era. “Growing up and being Black in tennis, it’s just like, well, that comes with negativity,” she said.
“You have something mean to say, get in line. You got to go way back. It’s going to take you a few days to get there. Join the crowd. I don’t hear the noise. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. How am I going to sit here and change someone’s thought? If [you] don’t like me, you don’t have to,” Williams said in her typical dismissive humor.
However, she is relieved to see the environment changing, as players like Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka who idolized the Williams sisters continue to create history for Black athletes. “It’s changed. No one’s calling these girls the [things] I was called. People would say we were like men and all this other stuff,” Williams stated.
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Even with all the negativity around her, Williams built a tough mindset and learned how to shut out the criticism over the years. “I’m not going to let anyone bring me down. I put enough stress on myself. The last thing I’m going to allow is someone else to do that. But I’m so happy that girls nowadays don’t have to go through it as much. I mean, I think internet trolls are different. So, you have that to deal with,” she said.
New Generation of Black Tennis Stars Leading the Sport With Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka
While Serena and Venus opened the doors, today’s generation of Black tennis stars is redefining the sport with more influence and confidence than ever before.
Coco Gauff burst onto the scene at 15 and has only grown since. Her 2023 US Open win made her one of the youngest American champions in years, and she has become a strong voice for equality and women’s rights. Her 2025 French Open title just adds more gravity to that.
Naomi Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam winner who has changed tennis in her own unique way. With a Haitian father and Japanese mother, she represents multicultural identity on a global stage. Whether supporting Black Lives Matter or speaking openly about mental health, Osaka has represented the sport and the community in important conversations.
The 2017 US Open champion, Sloane Stephens, has brought tennis and educational opportunities to underserved Black communities and has been helping to build the next generation of players through her foundation.
2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys has also used her platform to promote mental health and inclusivity. Taylor Townsend, who had a verbal spat with Jelena Ostapenko at the 2025 US Open that many felt carried racial undertones, also spoke up for herself and her community.
The representation is strong on the men’s side too. Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton have quickly become fan favorites at the US Open and other big tournaments. Examples like these help to normalize Black success in a sport that once treated it as an unusual thing.
AloJapan.com