“I was the only person happy to not qualify,” Serena Williams fondly remembers her success at Sydney Olympics


“I was the only person happy to not qualify,” Serena Williams fondly remembers her success at Sydney Olympics

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is among the most decorated tennis players of all-time. The American legend dominated women’s tennis for almost over two decades, prior to announcing her retirement just a couple of months ago. In a recent talk show, Serena Williams spoke about her experience at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, which was also her first ever appearance at the event.

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Billie Jean King led Team America’s tennis at the Sydney Olympics. Serena Williams reserved some high praise for the tennis legend, and how her guidance back in the days proved to be pivotal for her career. Serena failed to qualify for the singles event, however, she won the gold medal alongside Venus Williams in Women’s Doubles.

“Billie was the best captain hands down. I learned so much from Billie and it definitely helped. I remember it being pivotal in my career, and I remember how funny I was even back then,” said Serena Williams.

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“It was impossible to break in,” Serena Williams on missing out in Women’s Singles at Sydney Olympics

Serena Williams
Serena Williams

Serena Williams failed to qualify for the Singles event, given the depth in women’s tennis in America at that point in time. Despite winning the US Open, the likes of Monica Seles, Lindsay Davenport were ahead of her in the pecking order.

However, Serena Williams believes that missing out in the Women’s Singles event was the best thing that had happened to her. The American stated that she had access to any court, and was able to witness any match which she wanted to.

“I didn’t qualify even though I won the (US) Open. That’s how tough it was in America, like everyone was so good. It was like Monica Seles, Lindsay Davenport, Venus, and (Jennifer) Capriati, it was impossible to break in, it was nuts. And I didn’t qualify for the Olympics in singles which was crazy. So I just played doubles and I was so happy because I got to go everywhere and I got to watch all the matches, I went to different events. I’ve never been able to do that since. It was an amazing experience to just be. I was the only person happy to not qualify,” Serena said.

Serena Williams went on to become one of the most decorated tennis players at the Olympic Games. She ended her career with as many as four gold medals to her name, which includes a gold in the Singles event in London, 2012.

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