Serena Williams' Impressive Example of Perseverance and Graciousness Part Two

Serena Williams’ Impressive Example of 

Perseverance and Graciousness

Part Two

Serena Williams concluded her Wimbledon 2012 victory remarks with words of praise for her opponent, Agnieszka Radwanska.  Williams asked the audience to give Radwanska a round of applause given her tough competitive edge and steel performance in the finals match.  As I listened, I was very impressed by Williams’ graciousness towards Radwanska.  Actually, throughout her interviews during Wimbledon 2012, Serena offered many gracious comments and descriptions relating to the play of her opponents.  Her graciousness and genuineness simply seeped off the television screen.  Serena’s humility and kindness were borne substantially of her recent health and personal challenges.  Yet, her words remind me of the importance of considering someone else particularly in good times.  Coaches advise athletes to use “I” statements when assessing defeat and failure and “We” statements when explaining a win.  Similarly, a superlative player like Serena Williams can appreciate the expertise, discipline and hard work of an opponent even when her play reaches consummate heights.  Her graciousness reflects her true standing as a tennis champion.

My admiration of Serena Williams extends in equal measure to her father, Richard Williams, who is her coach.  The journey from substandard public tennis courts in Compton, California to Wimbledon inclusive of stops in Melbourne, Australia, Paris, Francis and Flushing Meadows, New York began as a dream in his mind and heart.  He deserves credit as the pioneer of the Williams tennis dynasty which has won ten of the last thirteen Wimbledon titles.  His stalwart support of both of his daughters despite a very public divorce from their mother and the tragic death of one of their older sisters is very commendable.  His pivotal role in laying the foundation for Serena’s and Venus’ success is an impressive example of good parenting.  Cynically, one could suggest he lives vicariously through them.  More reasonably, one concludes he graciously and perhaps providentially saw their potential with the eyes of his heart and devoted his time and talents to encouraging and empowering them to actualize their divine gifts and potential.  When future sports historians record this era of professional tennis, assuredly they will grant him more than a footnote in any analysis or summary of his daughters unparalleled careers.  Beyond the dedication and faithfulness of a loving and supportive father who catapulted his daughters to fame and excellence, he indirectly expanded the horizons of countless aspiring athletes for generations to come.

A final quality of perseverance and graciousness that I celebrate in Serena Williams and her family is their refusal to allow race to define or limit them.  Throughout the nearly fourteen years she has played professionally, I have never heard her discuss race as a factor in her game.  I can only imagine some of the remarks players, their families and fans have made since the time the Williams sisters assumed dominance of professional tennis.  I also cannot believe they have not heard some of these derogatory comments in the locker room, hallway or on the court.  However, they have not allowed anything negative to affect them.  They focused with equivocation on exceeding their prior performance.  The irrelevant opinions and uninformed thoughts of other people do not matter.  Still, they retain their poise and elegance in interviews and off the court.  I greatly desire more of this internal resolve and chutzpah.  Self-acceptance and confidence do not result necessarily in arrogance or haughtiness.  Serena’s ability in exceling despite the triple historical burdens of race, gender and class without defining herself through this prism is an incredible example of self-assurance for anyone pursuing heartfelt dreams against tremendous odds.  She personifies how graciousness and perseverance are the means of success.

I hope Serena maintains the incline of her ascension back to the number one ranking.  As she prepares for the next chapter of her life considering she is thirty years old, conceivably she will commit to sharing her success with young aspirants in tennis.   Sharing time, talents, treasure and temperament with children and youth is one of the most effect ways of influencing the future.  Deposits within their minds, hearts and characters last for a lifetime.  Moreover, teachers, coaches and other role models indirectly influence anyone whom their students teach, coach and mentor.  In addition to sharing her secrets of service, aces, volley returns, analyzing an opponent, exploiting other players’ weaknesses and many other effective techniques for winning, Serena Williams will be able to teach future tennis players and other athletes the codes and character of genuine sportsmanship.  Undoubtedly, she will tell them acquiring these attributes begins with developing perseverance in difficult times and showing graciousness at all times.