Serena Williams has a message for critics who want her to keep quiet about social issues and just play tennis.
“The day I stop fighting for equality and for people that look like you and me will be the day I’m in my grave,” Williams vowed at a press conference on Saturday.
Throughout her career, Williams has had to deal with plenty of criticism for being outspoken on issues such as sexism, racism and the gender pay gap, especially as it related to women of color. But more recently that criticism came from a surprising source: tennis legend and activist Billie Jean King.
King suggested earlier in the tournament that if Williams wanted a crack at the record, she should give up being a celebrity for a year and a half.
King was quick to add that this advice was for Williams if her main goal was to continue to break tennis records.
“If she is quite happy the way she is, then fine,” King said.
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On Dressing Her Body Type...
I look for things that are really great for curves. I have a really small waist, so I like high-waisted pieces. And I love tank tops. Photo: Getty Images
On Maintaining Her Hair...
It's hard. If you just embrace your natural curl and rock that, I think that's the best way to style it when working out. Photo: AFP
On Her Must-Have Beauty Product...
Right now it is actually eyeliner, which I actually just got into like four days ago. I think eyeliner is cool because you can jazz up your eyes and it helps to distract from other areas on the face that you may not feel comfortable with. Photo: Getty Images
On Her Nails...
OPI is coming out with some brand new gels that set in 30 seconds and I've been playing around with the set at home. I love Samoan Sand. It's really good for the season. For summer, I'm obviously really, really into brights. I'm excited about the Spider-Man nail polish collection and I love the red. Photo: Getty Images
On Keeping Her Cool...
One of the hottest places I've played was in Australia, where it was literally 142 degrees on the court and my shoes were melting. At the time, we had towels that they'd wrap in ice and tape to hold together. But by the time you'd put it around your neck, it's already melted. And my clothes got really wet and the last thing I needed was for my dress to be heavier than what it was. It's not a good look or idea. The Endura Cool towel -- and in pink because that's my favorite color -- works great when we need to cool down fast. Photo: AFP
On Getting A Bikini-Ready Body...
All you have really have to do is a great 30-minute run or walk to get in shape for bikini season. Sometimes it's hard because you don't have the time, but it's tough and you have to get it in. I focus on the core because as a tennis player you have to run, move and get balls. Lifting my own body weight is something I've recently started doing, too. Photo: Raydene Salinas
November 1998
Here's Ms. 17-year-old Serena at the Chase Championships in New York City. All about the beads.
July 2001
Wimbledon. 'Nuff said.
August 2002
Serena the Power Ranger plays Corina Morariu during the US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
August 2002
Serena rocks a Harry Winston diamond bracelet worth, oh, $29K. Ain't no thang.
July 2003
Looking super chic in black for the Wimbledon Ball at Savoy Hotel in London.
November 2004
At the film premiere of "After The Sunset" -- what? Does anyone have any recollection of this film?
September 2004
Belly baring at the Tommy Hilfiger show during Olympus Fashion Week Spring 2005 in Bryant Park, New York.
September 2004
Walking in her big black boots at the 2004 U.S. Open.
September 2006
Playing Amelie Mauresmo of France during the 2006 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
August 2007
Channeling Chanel at MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios in New York City.
September 2008
Very Grace Kelly at The 60th Anniversary of the State of Israel honoring producer Arnon Milchan at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, California.
September 2008
At the Zac Posen Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park, New York.
September 2009
Looking dope at the premiere of "Whip It" in Los Angeles, California.
September 2010
Super sophisticated at the Rodarte Spring 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City.
September 2011
Looking her plum best at the New Yorkers for Children Fall Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
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