In 2015, when the world of tennis was abuzz with accolades for Serena Williams and her pursuit of history, few reactions carried more weight than that of her older sister, Venus Williams. As Serena neared the calendar-year Grand Slam and dominated headlines as arguably the greatest tennis player of all time, Venus was asked how she felt about her sister receiving such acclaim. Her response was full of love, pride, and graceful humility.
“I always feel proud,” Venus said during a press conference at the US Open that year. “I mean, she’s been my little sister my whole life. So to see her reach this level, I think she’s definitely the greatest. But I’ve always felt that way.”
Venus, a legend in her own right with seven Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, never showed jealousy or rivalry in the face of Serena’s growing legacy. Instead, her words reflected a deep, familial bond and a front-row seat to greatness. She emphasized the hard work Serena put in, the obstacles she overcame, and the example she set—not just for the sport, but for anyone watching.
Venus’s heartfelt reaction in 2015 reminded fans that while Serena’s legacy is historic, the unwavering support from her sister was part of the foundation that helped her reach the pinnacle of tennis. It was a rare, beautiful moment where family, legacy, and sport seamlessly intertwined.
