By Scoop Malinowski
Status: Father and coach of Serena and Venus Williams, who won a combined 122 WTA singles titles and 30 combined Grand Slam singles titles. Both were ranked world no. 1.
DOB: February 14, 1942 In: Shreveport, LA
Childhood Heroes: My mom – Julia Mae Williams.
Hobbies/Interests: I used to play golf, basketball and football.
Favorite Movie: I don’t have a movie, never have.
Musical Tastes: I like the music I make. I make my own tracks, my own music. I play drums, I play guitar, drums, piano.
Favorite TV Shows: I don’t have one. I don’t watch TV.
First Job: It was very interesting. I robbed the damn place [laughter]. (How old were you?) Seventeen.
First Car: Ford ’53 (red).
Greatest Career Moment: When I seen Venus come on the court for the first time (in Compton). That would be my greatest tennis moment. (Why? What did you see?) Out of about 500 balls, she only struck about four balls correctly. And if you could just visualize the future, you could see it all right there. That was my greatest moment in tennis. (How old was Venus then?) Four years, six months.
Most Painful Moment: It was in Indian Wells when we got booed.
Pre-Match Feeling: Happy. Believing that the girls go all the way to win. And so occasionally when they lose, I’m never disappointed, because I figure I’m already ahead [laughs].
Funny Tennis Memory: Yeah, Luke and Murphy Jensen in tennis, they make you laugh. They’re the greatest team in tennis that I can think of next to Venus and Serena.
Favorite Meal: Burger King, number 2.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Strawberry.
People Qualities Most Admired: Honest and trustworthy.
Childhood Dream: A doctor. I went to med school and they take you over to the hospital and you see all the blood and cutting – I knew I had the wrong trade [laughter]! This is the best interview I ever did. Thank you.
(Note: This Biofile was done at 2004 US Open.)
Australian Open · French Open · Olympic Games · Richard Williams · Serena Williams · US Open · Venus Williams · Wimbledon · WTA
