‘People are afraid of criticism and don’t want to be called racist’

Modified at 16:07 GMT on October 18, 2023

Venus and Serena Williams have defied all odds during their illustrious careers to become champions. However, Martina Navratilova now (or at one time) believes that their race may have brought them both benefits and obstacles in their path.

The Czech legend told Time magazine in the early 2000s that Venus and Serena Williams were treated with “kid gloves.”

Recalling the moment the pair’s father Richard performed a victory dance in front of Lindsay Davenport after the 2000 US Open final, Navratilova said he would have received more condemnation had he been white .

“I think they were treated with caution,” Martina Navratilova said. “Had Mr. Williams been white and performed a victory dance in front of Lindsay Davenport, he would have been more condemned.”

The 18-time Grand Slam champion said at the time that people might be afraid to criticize Venus and Serena Williams for fear of being called racist. Navratilova went on to accuse the pair of never giving any credit to their opponents and being afraid of showing “any form of humility.”

“People have been afraid to criticize them because they don’t want to be called racist,” she continued. “They make excuses and don’t give their opponents any credit. They’re afraid to show any kind of humility.”

---

‘Black people will only help them’ – Martina Hingis responds to Martina Navratilova on Venus and Serena Williams

Another former world No. 1, Switzerland’s Martina Hingis, echoed Navtilova’s sentiments in an interview with Time magazine, suggesting the Williams sisters benefited from their competition.

The Swiss said being black helped the pair secure better sponsorship deals, before adding they could also blame racism for perceived unfairness.

“Being black can only help them,” Martina Hingis said. “A lot of times they get sponsored because they’re black. They have a lot of advantages because they can always say, ‘This is racist.’ ” They can always come back and say, “Because we are this color, things happen.” “

Venus and Serena Williams have played Martina Hingis many times throughout their careers. Although the Swiss fell behind 6-7 in the encounter with Serena, she edged Venus Williams 11-10.