In a rare look into her path to success, Venus Williams opened up about the driving force behind her achievements, highlighting the influence of her father, Richard Williams. As the former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion launches her second book, Strive: 8 Steps to Find Your Wellness, she offers readers more than just a wellness guide—it’s a window into the values that shaped her and her sister, Serena, into champions.
Williams, a model of resilience who has battled Sjogren’s syndrome while becoming a role model for Black athletes like Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend, shared insights from her upbringing on This Morning. Reflecting on the film King Richard, which portrays their father’s impact, Williams recounted a story illustrating his dedication to their development: “We didn’t get to watch a lot of cartoons growing up. My dad would put on educational programs,” she recalled. “One day, he let us watch Cinderella, but at the end, he asked, ‘What’s the most important part of the film?’—and he always did that.”
Their father’s strict approach was unwavering. Childhood coach Rick Macci once shared how Richard would push Serena’s limits, even shining a flashlight in her eyes during early morning practices, underscoring his confidence in his daughters’ abilities. “He never wavered,” Macci tweeted, calling it “Compton Confidence on Steroids.”
Through Strive, Williams offers readers the same guidance that drove her own journey. She aims to impart lessons on resilience, goal-setting, and leadership. “I just want to share everything I’ve learned, especially at this stage of my life,” she told the show’s host, adding that she hopes these lessons inspire her readers.
For fans and followers, Venus’s story is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and her father’s influence—a legacy of discipline and determination that has shaped two of the greatest champions in tennis history.
