The tennis superhero duo of the Williams sisters is a household name across the globe. Venus and Serena Williams are two of the most dominant stars the sport has ever seen, their accolades speaking for them.
Despite not having played for the second half of the 2021 season, both sisters are still the talk of the town. This is because of the new Oscar-contending movie ‘King Richard‘, which graced cinemas recently.
The movie is a biographical drama about Richard Williams, the father of the Williams sisters. It depicts how he spared no effort in training his girls and turning them into the biggest female athletes in the world.
With both Venus Williams and Serena Williams as the executive producers for the movie, it was certainly going to be a near-accurate account of the girls’ histories. A key moment towards the beginning of the third act of the movie is one such example.
When Venus was about to play her first competitive match in three years, the night before the game, Richard and Venus were approached by a Nike executive. The executive offered Venus a $3 million endorsem*nt contract.
However, the deal was only valid before Venus stepped onto the court the next day. As per the movie, Richard and Venus herself decided to turn down the offer. They believed that Venus should put on a display of her skills first instead of simply lunging at the money.
“You asking this girl to take all the hard work she done did for the last ten years, and accept the first offer that come through the door?” Richard is quoted saying in the movie.
Venus’ coach warned them that the offers may dry up if Venus were to lose. However, they decided to walk away from the Nike deal nevertheless.
Richard and Venus Williams were vindicated soon after
The decision to walk away from the Nike deal proved to be correct in hindsight.Richard sternly and steadfastly believed that a better offer would come through eventually when Venus put the world on notice. Much like most of his predictions and affirmations, this one came true as well.
Seven months after the first offer, Reebok signed Venus Williams to an unprecedented $12 million deal for five years. Their lawyer, Keven Davis, recalled doubting their initial decision. However, Richard once again proved him wrong.
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“Everything he says is very well thought out and intends a certain result. Ninety-nine times out of 100, he (Richard) gets that result,” Davis said in a 1999 interview with Sports Illustrated.
“I thought he was taking a serious gamble. He proved us all wrong,” Davis said.
Without a doubt, the Williams sisters proved everyone wrong at every stage in their career, and so did their father.
The decision to walk away from the Nike deal proved to be correct in hindsight. Richard sternly and steadfastly believed that a better offer would come through eventually when Venus put the world on notice. Much like most of his predictions and affirmations, this one came true as well.
It's a powerful scene that also happens to be totally true. Just as it's depicted in the movie, Venus wound up turning down the Nike deal because she believed she would be able to land an even more lucrative offer after she proved herself on the court once again...which obviously ended up happening.
The New York Times reports she signed a $12 million-dollar deal with Reebok in 1995. Venus was just 15 years old at the time and was ranked third in the world. The eight-figure deal was a first for a Black female athlete at this time, according to Parade.
Isha Price, one of Richard Williams' daughters, became an executive producer on the project, ensuring that the portrayal stayed true to their family's story. The Williams family provided insights and corrections, ensuring the film captured the essence of their experiences.
Who is richer, Venus or Serena? While both sisters have had highly profitable careers that transcend the tennis court, Serena's net worth is $205 million higher than her older sister Venus, who has an estimated net worth of $95 million.
Key Takeaways. Tennis champion Serena Williams has a net worth of $290 million, according to Forbes. Williams earned $95 million in prize money from her career as a champion tennis player. Williams is an avid investor, and 14 of the companies in her portfolio are startups with a value of more than $1 billion.
8 Richard Williams' Children From His First Marriage
Little is known about Betty, but Richard had five children with her years before meeting Brady Price -- Sabrina, Richard III, Ronner, Reluss, and Reneeka. Williams also helped Betty Johnson raise another daughter from a previous relationship, Katrina.
Although Serena boasts a slightly stronger record, winning 16 more tennis trophies than her sister Venus, it is crucial to recognize the extraordinary achievements both sisters have amassed in the realm of tennis.
Ohanian is based in Florida, where he lives with his wife, former tennis player Serena Williams, and their daughters, Alexis Olympia Ohanian and Adira River Ohanian. As of 2019, Forbes estimated Ohanian's net worth as $70 million.
Victories at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2000 led to a five-year, $40-million contract with Reebok, the largest single endorsem*nt deal ever signed by a female athlete. Success in recent years, including her defense of the Wimbledon and the U.S. Open titles in 2001, made Venus the hottest property in tennis.
Venus Williams Was Made To Change Her Bra At Wimbledon Because It Was The Wrong Colour. Venus Williams, AKA one of the top female tennis players in the world, probably had a lot more important things on her mind as she stepped onto the court at Wimbledon on Monday. Was what colour bra she was wearing one of those?
Inactive but not retired, Serena Williams earns more of her income from endorsem*nts than any other athlete on this list. Her top deals are with AbbVie, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Audemars Piguet, Block Inc, DIRECTV, Inc., Ford Motor, Gatorade, Gucci, Hanesbrands, Nike, Subway, Tonal and Wilson Sporting Goods.
Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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