A sister act on and off the court is a fitting title for siblings Serena and Venus Williams. These renown tennis champions have been queens of the court since they burst on the scene as young girls and fought their way into tennis history. The sisters most recently battled it out in the finals of the Australian Open with Serena winning a record breaking 23rd Grand Slam victory against Venus in one of their most competitive matches. What is even more remarkable is the reign of these two amazing women in a sport which remains predominantly white.
At an age when most athletes are preparing to retire, Serena (35) and Venus (36) remain among the best in the world, with Serena being named number one again following her Australian Open win. After numerous victories and millions of dollars in earnings in world renown tournaments such as the French Open, Wimbledon and the Olympics you would think that would be enough for this dynamic duo.
A closer look reveals something even more remarkable in the amazing business acumen of both women. Venus has developed a clothing line, interior design business and endorsement deals that have joined her to the millionaire class for life. Serena has parlayed her brand which also includes her own clothing line into some of the most lucractive endorsement deals of any athlete in the history of sports. The power of her brand has provided a substantial platform where she makes her voice heard on issues close to her heart including social justice. In addition, both sisters made history as the first African American women to become part owners of an NFL franchise.
My shout out today is loud and joyous in honor of two women who have competed with incredible success, grace and sister love in a sport that they have changed forever! Their impact amounts to a paradigm shift in the world’s conception of what is possible when women have the courage, skill and fortitude to make their dreams come true!!!