In a recent interview, Venus Williams revealed her admiration for legendary tennis player Boris Becker during her formative years. The seven-time Grand Slam champion, now 45 years old, continues to compete on the WTA Tour and has already set her sights on the 2026 season. Williams, who has inspired a new generation of players, shared insights into her early influences and how they shaped her game.
Idolization and Influence
Growing up, Williams was particularly influenced by Becker, a six-time Grand Slam champion with three Wimbledon titles to his name. Known for his powerful serve and dynamic playing style, Becker became a role model for Williams. In an interview with WTATennis.com, she admitted to mimicking his serving technique during her junior career. “I even had this habit of serving like him when I was in the juniors, moving my hips back and forth,” Williams noted. “It was kind of annoying,” she added with a hint of nostalgia.
Williams has found considerable success on grass courts, notably at Wimbledon, where she has claimed five singles titles. Her big-serving style resonates well with the surface, a testament to the influence Becker had on her game.
Legacy and Comparisons
While Williams has carved out her own distinguished legacy, she often finds her career compared to that of her younger sister, Serena Williams. With an impressive tally of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Serena has set a high bar that has, at times, overshadowed Venus’s achievements. Yet, both sisters have made indelible marks on the sport.
Becker, reflecting on the current landscape of women’s tennis, has acknowledged Serena’s unparalleled status. “Me, being German, I still think of Steffi Graf as our queen, but Serena is certainly, certainly the greatest,” Becker stated in a 2020 interview with Laureus Sport. He emphasized that while Margaret Court holds the record for most Grand Slam titles, the dynamics of the game have evolved, particularly with the shift away from grass as the predominant surface for major tournaments.
As Venus Williams continues her journey on the court, her legacy as an idol for aspiring players grows stronger. Her reflections on Becker serve as a reminder of the interconnected nature of athletic inspiration across generations. The admiration she held for Becker not only shaped her career but also highlights the enduring impact of role models in sports.
