“Distasteful”: Serena Williams’ 25-Year-Old Celebratory US Open Throwback Triggers Wild Reactions Over Its Questionable Timing

Throwbacks are indeed a fun way to reminisce about the good times of the past, right? Serena Williams certainly has a few volleys she misses. The tennis star frequently shares how she longs to be back on the court playing tennis. Whether she’s celebrating her first title win in Miami in 1999 or her first-ever Grand Slam win at the US Open that same year, at just 17 years old, these moments are special. Over her career, she went on to win 22 more Grand Slams, cementing her legend status. Her name still pops up today, which can be a good thing, but sometimes? Well, let’s just say Serena should be careful with her timing for nostalgia.

It all began with a moment of inspiration in 1979 when her father, Richard Williams, witnessed Romanian tennis legend Virginia Ruzici win a substantial prize. This moment ignited a dream in Richard: his future children would dominate the sport, despite his limited knowledge of it at the time.

Fast-forward to the emergence of Venus and Serena Williams, two tennis titans who would leave an indelible mark on the sport. Serena, in particular, was destined for greatness, as her father predicted she would outshine all others.

Serena’s journey to stardom began at the 1999 US Open, where she made history by becoming the first Black American woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Althea Gibson in 1958. At just 17 years old, she defeated some of the biggest names in tennis, including Kim Clijsters, Conchita Martinez, Monica Seles, and Lindsay Davenport. The final against Martina Hingis was a defining moment, with Serena showcasing her power and determination to secure a 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) victory. This triumph not only validated her father’s faith, but, it also marked the beginning of a legendary career.