Serena Williams Offers Sage Advice to WNBA Star Caitlin Clark
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
In the spotlight of a star-studded evening, tennis legend Serena Williams imparted wisdom to WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark. At 42, Williams, with a staggering 23 Grand Slam titles to her name, reflected on her own tumultuous journey during the red carpet premiere of her upcoming ESPN+ docuseries, “In The Arena: Serena Williams."
Asked about Clark, the 22-year-old rookie phenom, Williams didn’t hold back. She revealed the bullying she endured early in her career, drawing a parallel to the scrutiny Clark now faces. “I was bullied,” Williams shared candidly with the media, as reported by ESPN. “The things I experienced, people would be canceled for saying now. Growing up as a teenager in this intense spotlight, I had to stay guarded to keep my sanity. It was relentless – the press, the travel, the constant grind.”
Williams also lauded Clark’s strategy of avoiding social media, a decision that keeps the young athlete grounded amid a storm of criticism. “I love that she tries to stay grounded,” Williams commented, per the Associated Press. “She says she doesn’t look at her social [media]. I get it. I don’t either. It’s crucial to keep focusing on what you’re doing. The negativity is often a reflection of what others can’t achieve. Hopefully, she’ll keep pushing forward.”
Clark, the top overall pick in the WNBA draft, has indeed been the talk of the league. Her transition from college basketball, where she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, has not been without its challenges. Within her first 15 games, Clark has been at the center of debates over physical plays by veteran players and discussions on her potential inclusion in the U.S. women’s basketball team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Throughout her career, Williams has been no stranger to issues of racism and sexism in sports, topics she’s addressed openly, including in a notable 2017 TED Talk. Last week, she urged Clark to persevere through negativity. “It’s really important to hold women up,” Williams emphasized. “Young athletes look up to me, they want to take pictures with me. I strive to be a good leader and example for them.”
In this mentor-mentee moment, Williams’ advice to Clark resonates deeply, reminding us all of the resilience and focus required to succeed at the highest levels of sport.
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