“The hardest part was telling the kids” – Serena Williams tearfully recalls the murder of her sister Yetunde and its devastating impact on her career
Bitcoin 2022 Conference Draws Cryptocurrency Industry Professionals And Investors To Miami – Source: Getty
“The hardest part was telling the kids” – Serena Williams tearfully recalls the murder of her sister Yetunde and its devastating impact on her career
By
Dhruv Dhawan
Modified Jul 26, 2024 09:42 GMT
follow icon
Follow Us
comment
Discuss
Serena Williams had her docuseries “In The Arena: Serena Williams” released earlier this month. The documentary focuses on some key highlights from her life and career.
The American star lost her half-sister Yetunde Price during a shootout in 2003, having a deep impact on Williams. In the first released episodes, she spoke about the gravity of the loss:
“I think the hardest part was telling the kids. I just remember, we stayed by an apartment that time and we just played uno. We got so close in the last six months. We were able to spend so much time together, and it was a time I’d never forget.”
Williams further spoke about her struggles going into the 2007 Australian Open:
“Going to Australia, I was in a really bad place emotionally. I was dealing with a lot of things and I wasn’t dealing with them well. I remember just being in Australia and just playing, playing, and try not to think about Yetunde, but it’s impossible to not think about it, as it’s always in your mind.”
Williams underwent a knee operation in 2006, keeping her on the sidelines for over six months. This also resulted in her dropping out of the top 100 rankings. It was a tough phase for the American as she entered the 2007 Australian Open with a ranking of 81.The 23-time Grand Slam winner has been vocal about going through a rough phase during this time of her career with personal setbacks and injuries having a lasting effect on her.
also-read-trending
Trending
Serena Williams revisits her iconic victory at the 2007 Australian Open
Serena Williams at Australian Open 2007 – Day 13 – Source: Getty
Serena Williams at Australian Open 2007 – Day 13 – Source: Getty
Williams reflected on the comments she received from critics and fans during the 2007 season:
“The general consensus was that I was a big fat cow.”
Williams defied all expectations as she went on to beat the likes of Nadia Petrova, Shahar Peer and Nicole Vaidisova to enter the finals of the tournament. She handed a crushing defeat to Maria Sharapova in the finals with scores of 6-1, 6-2 to win her eighth Grand Slam. She said (via Australian Open):
“It was an awesome win because I had so many critics, so many people talking bad and saying negative things and saying I wasn’t fit. I get the greatest satisfaction just holding up the Grand Slam trophy and proving everyone wrong.”
Serena Williams’ latest docuseries was released on 10 July, 2024 with 3 episodes out so far.
Was this article helpful?
like selected
avatar selected
Is Serena Williams a Jehovah’s Witness? Why American legend doesn’t celebrate birthdays or Christmas
comment icon
Quick Links
Australian Open 2024 Serena Williams Maria Sharapova Women’s Tennis Trending news NewsNow Tennis
comment
Discuss
More from Sportskeeda
comments icon
close comments
What’s your opinion?
🔍 SEARCH
Event, Team, Player, Sport
LOGIN / SIGN UP
App download animated imageGet the free App now
🔥 POPULAR
TOP CATEGORIES
🔗 LINKS
About Us
Write For Us
Policies
Grievance Redressal
Editorial Standards
Fact Check
Affiliate Program
Careers
CS
R
Privacy Policy
Contact Us
bell-icon
Manage notifications
Edition: English
