"I feel really special that I was able to tie Billie Jean King," said Williams. "Because in my heart of hearts, I've been going for it and I haven't been able to quite achieve it. Billie Jean is a really big mentor of mine."
Billie Jean King feels that Williams is arguably the greatest tennis player whoever lived. "I still think that when she plays her best, she's the best ever," said King.
After her outburst on the court a few months ago, Williams took a great deal of heat from the media. In fact, she was at risk of being banned from the Australian Open. In defiance of public opinion, Williams pushed the envelope by posing nude in ESPN The Magazine. She has made it clear that she will not be swayed by what other people think.
Serena is pushing the envelope in ways that will change female sport for the next 100 years. Beyond simply being another tennis player, Williams is active off the court and on, doing things that the rest of us only dare to dream about. In many ways, you can say that she has made her life worth living, and is even worth studying in classes on Feminist Theory and Sports Sociology.
Watching Serena Williams bounce back from one setback after another is a reminder to young women everywhere that obstacles only last as long as you allow them to. Rising out of the streets of Compton and joining her sister as the greatest tennis duo in history, the Williams family has made a dramatic mark on the rest of the world. Some might call their father Richard crazy for pushing his kids so hard, but you can never say that the man wasn't brilliant.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. 
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By: Nicole K. Phillips on 2/03/2010 12:33PM
Serena is one of a few atlete who inspire me in my daily life. Her body and athletic ability can not be ignored. I watched her take Justines chance of winning away slower, and it was amazing. It's nice to see that her hard work continues to pay off for a black female athlete.
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By: Mike on 2/02/2010 12:17PM
The Williams sisters, Tiger Woods, The Jackson 5 etc. The key is they all had a tough father would didn't tolerate mediocrity and motivated them to practice, practice, practice - which is key. I pains my heart that so many black children don't have their bio-dads for one reason or the other. In too many instances, it's the mother who runs away with them and simply never shares the info with them thinking she's making the right decision cause he cheated on her and their relationship ended. Well, you're wrong lady.
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