Venus Williams 13 Years Ago Claps Back at Insulting Question/Allegation of Match Fixing (2008)

This Venus Williams video is from a press conference 13 years ago on July 3, 2008. It was semi-finals day at Wimb. 2008 and Venus had just defeated Elena Dementieva in the semi-finals match to advance to the finals. Serena also won her semi-finals match against Zheng Jie to advance to the finals. This is footage from Venus' post match interview at the press conference. The press conference was going well until a reporter asked Venus about Williams family match fixing allegations. Venus immediately clapped back at the insulting question and told the press to move on from this ridiculous question/allegation.

[@AneresEleVen]

5:00 Here’s where Venus is asked the offensive question. This video is from Wimbledon Women's Semi-Finals Day in 2008 when both Venus & Serena won their respective semi-finals matches to advance to the finals. This Wimbledon was the last time Venus won a singles grand slam when she defeated Serena in the finals 7-6 6-4, with Venus successfully defending her Wimbledon title won the prior year 2007.

[@bryanmartin5901]

Singles* Grand Slam

[@vkb9013]

Venus is SUCH a class act.

[@bryanmartin5901]

@Ni Ko not a bad point, but this controversy had been asked and fully addressed for years and years leading up to this. It clearly culminated at Indian Wells when the teenage Williams and their father faced racial slurs from dozens if not hundreds of rich white FELLOW AMERICANS for a false and unrealistic claim of match fixing. They never even got an apology from the tournament director for not handling the situation better, and to this day some sports commentators and analysts only refer to that racist mob as “alleged explicit language.” It is not “alleged” when hundreds if not thousands can be heard booing and shouting and multiple witnesses confirm the horrid epithets hurled at the Williams for a prolonged period. So for the reported to ask this question several years later was to beat a dead horse and act as though Venus was not sufficient in her innumerable statements addressing this outrageous accusation. Yes, the reporter himself may not have believed the accusation to be true, but he gave it new life and credence by repeating it as if it were novel reporting on a new issue, when the exact opposite was true.

[@gloriawashingon1452]

@Ni Ko Why should they have to endure this kind of questioning, only in Tennis do you have to explain your losing

[@donaenoble7835]

@Ni Ko agreed but likewise don't be so surprised and negative regarding her perfectly normal and justified Reply. You would not be so cool I suspect if you were asked if you are a cheat and if your family was, would you? What is wrong with people who think only certain people are considered normal when they respond. In. Perfectly. Justified and normal. Way to a provoking highly. Insulting question even if the journalist is just doing. Their job, but when certain others react. Likewise, they are. Considered to have crossed a line?

[@bensmith522]

Venus said she doesn’t fist pump a lot because she expects to win every point. Confidence!

[@mdooms76]

Yes!!! That's playing with intention not hope.

[@baby_shii1263]

@NoVacs ForMe it's almost 2022 dude, go find another lie to make up about the williams sisters because this one is old and tired just like you.

[@gregorypollard5908]

@NoVacs ForMe Joined Nov 14, 2021 No content...just a troll account ignore it

[@MrFchank]

The correct word is ARROGANCE!!

[@gregorypollard5908]

@@MrFchank Racist account...ignore it

[@booyah2u296]

Venus handled that dumb question with great humility. And they wondered why Osaka hated press conferences. The press conferences can be more brutal than their matches.

[@Chodesese]

A video surfaced recently Venus was interviewed asked some odd question. I didn’t know her father was nearby he confronted the white guy told him why - she’s just 14 asking her such intrusive adult-like question. He further emphasize at your age I doubt you’ll be around to see her success. That was a real burn let him know then papa don’t play around for his daughters.

[@maximusmcmahon1301]

Please do not equate Osaka with the Great Venus Williams. Venus Williams endured animosity, hate, cheating, boos lies and name calling the likes of which Osaka will never even dream about. Venus didn't cry. Venus didn't refuse to talk or refuse to play. She endured it all and handled it and went on to win. In doing that her greatness PAVED THE WAY for princesses like Osaka to be fragile and make choices that she can now make. Venus is the greatest press conference manager of them all.

[@eyesthatsmile-heartthatlov8050]

@@maximusmcmahon1301 Osaka did not have a father that taught her how to deal with a racist press. Osaka is a princess; but not in the hateful way that you meant it.

[@Demetri450]

They are disrespectful!

[@catherinejackson9022]

@@eyesthatsmile-heartthatlov8050 I totally agree. It takes an aware black man, raised in America to show/teach their child about the American Press.

[@aissatamuhammad2581]

She handled them like a BOSS!!! Definitely her father's daughter!!!

[@jamessmythe1891]

1:11 “pumped up”, she defiantly looks pumped up on drugs.

[@juanitawashington106]

@@jamessmythe1891 Huh

[@kaosduval8503]

@@jamessmythe1891 do u mean Sharapova????😂🤣😂🤣

[@reneeking5494]

@@jamessmythe1891 can't she just be happy and excited. You can always count on a hater to hate!!

[@jamessmythe1891]

@@reneeking5494 It’s nothing to do with hate. What about happiness of clean players who are cheated out ? Its about drug cheats unfairly blocking the progress and recognition of better clean players, stealing their millions. You’ll get locked up and your assets seized if in business you cheat or dishonestly obtain money from others. These drug cheats who win titles and money are no better then common fraudsters, they deserve life time ban and their ill-gotten gains confiscated.

[@misterme9829]

Gotta love a Venus Williams press conference. She won't take sh*t from anyone!

[@fishandchips9033]

Mister Me I love Venus too she is like me a typical Gemini I won't and I don't tolerate any crap. Love from the 🇬🇧 ❤ 🙏👍

[@bensmith522]

Well said fellow Gemini! Don’t come for us unless we send for you, and if we send for you, think twice about coming.

[@warriornanny5780]

@@bensmith522 Amen my fellow Gemini

[@helenjackson8413]

On behalf of All of my Sister Geminis, if you don't know you'd better ask somebody. Know your role and stay in your lane. Ya'll don't want any of this smoke. PERIOD!!

[@BFick478]

NO ONE!!! We Geminis don't play that ISH!!!!

[@maskellmaolseachlainn6347]

How Venus and Serena have suffered the general idiocy of sports 'journalists' all these years is just mind boggling.

[@ruereno7802]

I'm sure the balm of their millions and millions of dollars help to soothe.

[@oliviatagoeduring]

@@ruereno7802 wealth doesn’t promise happiness or comfort, do well to remember that.

[@ruereno7802]

@@oliviatagoeduring Let's also remember that it doesn't hurt.

[@absbabs6153]

@@ruereno7802 it doesnt hurt, but it certainly doesnt help with regards to having the patience to deal with annoying journalists. It's a direct attack on their pride when they ask such questions, and not just in this interview, but in many interviews especially early on in their career. Everyone knows these types of journalists always want to ask questions that lead the person on and that does affect them mentally because its a question of their character. So no...the millions and millions of dollars, which they deserved, doesnt help

[@jmilber]

@@oliviatagoeduring With people thanklessly working in coal mines for years - getting black lung & working for an ungrateful boss, or dying on crab fishing boats, it's hard for me to cry over a multimillionaire tennis player's minor inconvenience from "sports journalists". boo hoo

[@leahl7352]

It was not a 'language issue'. She meant EXACTLY what she said

[@thrshwll1526]

Thank you

[@blaquehippie]

*You know they we're ready to protect Karen at all cost*

[@MrBjorn6]

@@blaquehippie you are aware Elena was playing Serena in the other semifinals. I don't believe Elena meant it in negative manner.

[@Demetri450]

It meant nothing, because they used Elena's comment to push their narrative in their questioning. So it was disrespectful to Venus, her family & Elena.

[@shashonda8]

@@MrBjorn6 SHE MEANT IT BECAUSE OBVIOUS !!

[@farisasmith7109]

I hate when someone else tries to explain what someone else said to you as if there is a problem with her comprehension of what she heard. What other way was she to take that question ? What family decision could there be? Decision in who wins? What else could that mean? She handled it well regardless.

[@senojoy12473]

Right because the reporter tried to explain that the other person was saying it was a "family decision" meaning whichever sister wins, it was going to be a family win. Like obviously it's going to be a family win, they're sisters. There was no other way to interpret that. But like they said, maybe in the other person's native language, the meaning was something completely different that couldn't be accurately translated into English.

[@julianwest8251]

Exactly! We all know exactly what he was saying... He said there was skepticism about the matches between the sisters.. But he was actually interpreting what another reporter said in an article.. And the second person who chimed in was referring to that same article

[@jennym2276]

@@senojoy12473 The question in the press conference wanted to know if there was match fixing, like she was taking dives so Serena would win. Crazy because if so Venus would not have been shut out so many times by Serena. The other person chimed in because the reporter that asked insinuated that Dementiva suggested this, when she simply meant one sister would win. The reporter was trash trying to bring up some controversy, like "people are saying" no bitch you are saying it.

[@senojoy12473]

@@jennym2276 Yeah that's how Venus interpreted the question that the first reporter asked, that the sisters decided as a family who would win rather than just playing the game and the best person wins. But the second reporter tried to clear it up and tell her that it wasn't meant in that way. That because the person who originally made the statement speaks Russian, the actual intent was lost in translation leading to the misunderstanding. But Venus handled it with grace and dignity.

[@mickymickymike4105]

They’re basically saying the Williams family comes to a decision to fix the match when the sisters play against each other. That was very disrespectful and they meant what they said. No language barrier.

[@jamessmythe1891]

How did you know they don’t pre-arrange the outcome ? Anyway, Both are drug cheats, Serena has long record of taking the stuff.

[@kaosduval8503]

@@jamessmythe1891 prove it. Like Sharapova?????

[@jamessmythe1891]

@@kaosduval8503 Both sisters far worse then Sharapova. Look at those muscular man lime shoulders both have, that’s steroids shouting loud and clear. In fact Serena has a doping record held under lock and key, going back at least 2010, look it up it’s in the internet.

[@ihatesugar2530]

@@jamessmythe1891 they are of African decent, muscles are normal for women of that race.

[@jamessmythe1891]

@@ihatesugar2530 No African woman has muscles like that, its unnatural, it’s the result of taking steroids and other banned substances. Any woman can get those muscular arms and shoulders by taking the drugs Serena takes.

[@cadyg2531]

It’s the fact that every video I’ve seen of both Venus and Serena, people continually try to break them down and they never fall victim to the insults, gaslighting and overt racism. Black women 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@nancygreen3705]

She shut that reporter down..politely. Class! 👏🏽

[@kadeen876]

How is the reporter going to tell her how she interpreted the question

[@Reedrew1]

That was Karen whitesplaining

[@Queen_EL11]

Typical Caucasian response which was also offensive, but they’re so damn oblivious. Smh

[@karenmartinez168]

I thought that at first, but I think the female reporter was speaking that to the male reporter and not Venus. After it was said you can see Venus look in the direction of the male reporter from the female reporter and then back to the female reporter.

[@carolyncarrington4774]

🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@shaunspellman2856]

Trying to "clean it up" before Venus shuts it all down!!!

[@sharondramarks2998]

It's sad that reporters try to pit them against one another. I learned something from her. Remain classy even when you are offended.

[@rationalsportsfanatic7416]

Yes, that is a good lesson to take away from this, but an even bigger one is to shut down BS when it is thrown your way - confront it head on - don't let people get away with disrespecting you. A lot of athletes today thing that, "being classy" means to keep their mouth shut or bite their tongue. Venus did not do that. She looked the disrespect straight in the face and called it out - she did not allow it to go any further.

[@1971Blubear]

I really need to practice what you are saying! Thanks for reminding me to keep myself under control at all times. 👍🏾

[@delorasledge2492]

I think it would have been just as a big of an angle to acknowledge how much they truly support one another; even when competing against each other. Thats a rare and hard thing to do. The way they show love is as rare and impressive as their skills on the court.

[@delorasledge2492]

@@rationalsportsfanatic7416 Yes. For those that go low in the name of "keeping it real" , this is what that saying was meant for. She kept it all the way real. Her mood could in no way be mistaken for sarcasm, wavering, placateing or anything other than what she said - I'm offended, I won't tolerate it, move on - now thats real.

[@queenvee9729]

I love her confidence. She knows herself and I respect that greatly.

[@belm3243]

I love Venus's calmness..her easy tone and poise.

[@klove5957]

And this is what their father instilled in them, be humble and be a class act at all times#KingRichard

[@AJ-TheGr8]

I'll give V and S their roses. But "King" Richard had a whole family he abandoned before restarting his life with a new woman. He abandoned his other kids... Nothing kingly about that.

[@sex4ladies]

@@AJ-TheGr8 which is def unfortunate. But to children especially in separate homes, a man can be a hero/king to them in the home he's in and less of a hero/king to those in the home he abandoned.

[@AJ-TheGr8]

@@sex4ladies Exactly. If he was a better man, he would have healed their relationship at best or financially supported them at worst.

[@sex4ladies]

@@AJ-TheGr8 as long as he has breath, he can right his wrong as best as he can. My dad had the opportunity to this with me and never did. It def affects us even as adults. I hope he reaches out if he hasn’t already. Very sad to hear

[@AJ-TheGr8]

@@sex4ladies you are correct. As long as there is time, there's opportunity. May you heal from any remnants of your father's absence, if any. I'm trying to heal that hole myself.

[@yourmajesty2755]

They always say WE have to cheat when they aren’t good enough …

[@LcWwLwBw]

I love Venus! Dignified! That rude question was shutdown with a respond that sticks.

[@joshboswell7720]

The Williams sisters are the most humble athletes of all time and deserve their success. Love watching them play.

[@farhatk6054]

I'm not sure about being humble as Serena acts like a diva

[@wanZ...]

@@farhatk6054 she acts like a Diva to those who thinks she has the audacity to be her authentic self...a black, professional tennis player. She exhibits quite a bit of HUMILITY. What the Williams sister's have gone through over the year's just to participate in the sport of tennis is phenomenal. I respect them very much.

[@maximusmcmahon1301]

@@farhatk6054 You consider her a diva because you believe she has a certain "place" she needs to stay in. She expresses herself outside of that "place" and you believe she is out of order. She is absolutely humble. And kind. It is YOU who needs to give her her due credit.

[@weilacherdr]

FK yo humility times 2

[@magzmoney]

Watch King Richard

[@123HappyMad]

Gosh, the pressure she was under at a time when tennis wasn’t used to having it’s main show stoppers be African American women. Most people today only watched tennis because the Williams’ sisters brought attention to it!

[@dw1617]

She was done after that crazy question. Lawd!

[@aunk7529]

Question? Do you think this would be a conversation if they were of another persuasion? Absolutely not!

[@thrshwll1526]

Definitely not. They would be hailed. They would have their own holiday if that was the case.

[@StephneyNunley]

NO!

[@veebee3463]

They were just raised so well such grace & class ... love the humility!

[@AP-ge3ud]

Shes beyond mature. I would have gotten up & been like "thank you bye" 👋

[@kimberlygrimes3075]

This is why some of the athletes does not want to do interviews. This is what Osaka is talking about. Sometimes reporters can be disrespectful. Not all but some!

[@elisimpson3492]

Yes! And then Osaka has developped mental health issues because of reporters that are disrespectful and the pressure on her shoulders that is put by herself, her team, the media, it hecomes a lot...

[@mamajana12]

@@elisimpson3492 Interesting “mental health issues” only surfaced after she lost a match, first loss in over a year, making it impossible for her to reclaim her #1 status. No mental health issues during the height of the pandemic when tournaments were being cancelled left and right and her colleagues were getting sick . No issues during 2021US Open when she was interviewed after every match and so eloquently talked about those seven different masks she wore, in support of BLM. Perhaps if she had approached the French Open officials instead of going public on social media we/she wouldn’t be where we are today!

[@mamajana12]

@@elisimpson3492 the problem is people are confusing emotionalism with mental health. There’s nothing wrong with being emotional. People laugh, they cry, they scream. That’s part of being human. I don’t have to look up high functioning depression and anxiety. It runs in my family. I’m just skeptical that in her case it’s just showing up two months after losing a match.

[@elisimpson3492]

@@mamajana12 Idk, she knows she's gonna lose matches, she knows she's gonna have several more titles in her career, but she didn't elaborate a lot on what exactly was the problem. I guess we'll never be sure

[@mamajana12]

@@elisimpson3492 I think you’re right.

[@knightress5760]

Venus knew exactly what that question implied. They just didn't know she'd catch it. She kept her composure and kept it moving. She is mature in her thought process and she delivered well. I have always been proud of the Sisters.,, ❤️❤️❤️

[@ryancummins8067]

Sibling rivalry is one of the most intense rivalries one can have.

[@e.wilson9613]

True.

[@uksoul2001]

NEVER come to Empress Venus Ebony STARR with foolishness... come correct with that RESPECT.

[@incognitame141]

Her father taught her well

[@mimic6408]

I have followed these two women since they were just girls, and some of the treatment and scrutiny they have endured over the years is cringeworthy. I could not comprehend how they held it together to win these championships and achieve such success with all of the pressures they faced. They have played some truly incredible matches and I feel lucky to have been a fan throughout the years.

[@curiosityredpill7030]

King Richard gave them that bulletproof mindset

[@spicynomad]

me to. at first i was annoyed when the dad would bring up the mistreatment of his daughters then i started watching interviews and such to see for myself. they tried to rip these girls to shred. even today its still happening. of course i have to compare other interviews with theirs and it pales in comparison.

[@gearywimberly4783]

Par for the American course.

[@gearywimberly4783]

@@spicynomad, Look at Naomi Osaka, but she’s learnings, enduring the scrutiny and is able to play when she wants; thank God for the huge purses and endorsements they have today thanks to the Williams sisters’.

[@spicynomad]

@@gearywimberly4783 absolutely!

[@leelafuturama9198]

I'm not shocked when I win the point, because that's why I'm here...it's the assignment...and I understand it.

[@asiyahad-deenislam5289]

Right like who shows up to lose

[@marciagranthall3129]

If she jumped and hollered and fist pumped, she'd never hear the end of the criticism there either. She has learned that she must just be true to herself. Her father left no stone unturned. He even taught her and her sister how to interview the best.

[@juanitarobinson1277]

It comes to a point and came to the point, that they had BEAT EVERYONE, They were the only ones left…People

[@free2luv84]

Right on

[@deeperbeauty4147]

Good for her..She conducts herself well. I love when she said "I find it offensive, we need to move on from that subject "...Her face..she wasnt playing..Love it!!@ Beautiful ..#blacksistermagic

[@pamelamcdaniel1452]

Indeed

[@forensicaccountant259]

C-O-M-P-T-O-N doesn't spell dumb. LOVE ALL OF THEM! RIP, YETUNDE.

[@carolyncarrington4774]

We need to move on ...stop the Bull

[@adacasas511]

Language? Really? Honestly, even all these years later it sounds as if adults are being slick and double teaming against a 13 year old child! I am ever more grateful to the entire Williams family, forever. The viperous insinuation is a reminder, EDUCATE Your OWN CHILDREN. Don't leave your Beautiful, bright young people in the sole hands of these people.

[@thrshwll1526]

The outcome of the match will be a family decision. RIDICULOUS!!! Only people who would fix a match thinks the Williams family would too. Not everybody is evil and a cheat. Then the female reporter tries to clean up the comment. Venus gave those reporters way more of her time than they deserved

[@terreciakennedy3265]

Right. Way more time. Lol

[@Rune8119]

Notice that most of the people who leave nasty comments toward the Williams sisters doesn’t have real accounts. And most comments are always the same.

[@craigsims1189]

Those people ar scumbags

[@tisanb]

This is one of the most insulting interviews… kept asking about Serena when it’s about Venus

[@kareemgriffin7835]

They wanted to pin them against each other so bad

[@marciagranthall3129]

I was thinking that the whole time! I AM VENUS. Ask me about Venus.

[@ms.stewart9876]

Such a class act. Then and now.

[@godfreystoby9800]

When they try to cause separation between family. Well handled by Venus.

[@royaldiadem762]

Their father was a crazy man who didn’t know what he was doing he had no formal education or experience in tennis. He was crazy until everything he said about his daughters happened. Make no mistake, their confidence is intimidating and makes some uneasy. Black folks aren’t supposed to be sure of themselves. And it was because of their parents, particularly their father that they are who he envisioned them to be. Venus will be #1, but Serena will be the greatest of all time. And so it is!

[@tamarabrown1220]

Write the vision. Make it plain so that all that read it will see it. His 78-page plan was read and seen by the family and they executed it. There is life and death in the power of the tongue. Yeap, he spoke life into that plan and it was so. Only humans can do this, no other animal.

[@jamessmythe1891]

They both took banned drugs to win matches, both drug cheats nothing great about them, look at their body shapes with man like shoulders! They are beneficiaries of the unspoken plan to promote blacks!

[@zelulu1000]

@@jamessmythe1891 since when yt people made plan to make black people win ?

[@jamessmythe1891]

@@zelulu1000 It’s been going on for decades, orders are coming from high up, watch KZbin footage, Ali, Mike Tyson and many athletes in track and field events all drug cheats.

[@pamelamcdaniel1452]

Indeed

[@aaprimetime]

She is beautiful !!! Her strength, confidence and convictions. Kudos to her for giving them the extremely mature response to the disrespectful Question 👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@33ladyRAM]

I like to keep these videos. I will miss her and Serena when they retire.

[@tammieterry1386]

They have inspired an entire generation of little girls of color.

[@chocolatethundercherry143]

These girls had it hard 😞😞😞.🏆🏆🥇🥇.they deserve their flowers 💐.

[@Kavinraaj1991]

I love Venus with all my heart. The sisters paved the way so much for athletes of colour, it’s sad that Naomi is being criticised. But she’s getting way more support than Venus or Serena did back then. And that’s growth.

[@alvingilmore5485]

Apples to Oranges... Osaka is criticized for not wanting to participate in interviews which is part of her job as a professional tennis player.... but she accepts offers to be interviewed and placed on fashion magazines 😂🙄

[@Kavinraaj1991]

@@alvingilmore5485 first of all, she never said, she’ll never do post match interviews at all, it was for one event. Second, those interviews for magazines was done months in advance way before she realised she needed a little space. Get ur facts b4 spewing lies.

[@angel91485]

@@alvingilmore5485 I think thats what more she's asking for, not to attend interviews per se..questions in magazines are rehearsed whereas in interviews they're impromptu.

[@isobel64]

very true

[@Yezzurski]

@@angel91485 I agree and she looked awkwardly shy and nervous during her match post and pre-match interviews.

[@TheCatalyst1985]

I have so much respect for this professional woman!!! Class act!

[@jamessmythe1891]

Steroids and other PEDs

[@kaosduval8503]

@@jamessmythe1891 just like Sharapova. 💉💉💊💊

[@msg4141]

I'm so happy Serena and Venus have had each other during their time in competitive tennis because the wolves seem to be always out to get them.

[@shanshansenlightment4985]

People always trying to switch something up.. Glad Venus stood strong!!

[@lookingup3390]

Venus was like I said what I said. It’s an insulting question. Next question. Lol! Love how she makes a decision and does not waver.

[@nathanjuste6778]

VENUS IS A QUEEN!! She's also better than me, because I would've told a reporter that Dementieva could choke twice.

[@IAMMOVIN4WARD]

LMAO!

[@reinebautistamercado4286]

It was not Dementieva's fault though. As the lady reporter said, it could have been a language issue. And Venus is so classy to say that she was not talking about Dementieva, she was talking about the question when the male reporter kept on bringing Elena's name.

[@thrshwll1526]

Me too. Venus didn't flinch though. She let her words speak for her

[@OUrNit03]

She didn't hold back. She let them know where she was coming from and how she felt about it.

[@aaronwilkins1843]

I am sure Dementieva meant that she believed Serena would win her match and therefore it would be another Williams final. Maybe I'm naive but I believe she had huge respect for the sisters

[@atthismoment3006]

she is so composed and elegant, humble even what a STAR!

[@GrandPrizeFitnesAJAY]

I love Venus. The eloquence of it all.

[@LoLo-ir7fd]

What you have witnessed is the strength that comes when you have a father in the home a strong black male in the home.. much respect to King Richard

[@johnlyndsay]

She is stunning! …and smart.

[@robeltonicholas6223]

She's always great when it comes to a lot of things especially personality !

[@VMathisEntertainment]

Agreed, a Beautiful Woman she is, and a Class Act!

[@moe4life]

Definitely smart. But far from stunning lol

[@theleoaugust9967]

@@moe4life 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tgoodman757]

@@moe4life who made you an expert. You're not even attractive 🙄

[@iago07]

Definitely one of the greatest grass court players… and with 7 Slams from 16 Finals, she’s certainly one of the greatest tennis players in the past 20 years. LOVE THIS WOMAN!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@youthfulvajayjay4498]

Her and her Serena.... GREATEST in Tennis History...... PERIODTTTTT!!!

[@TheIcemanthomas]

@@ursamajor6347 are u high? There was zero hate on that comment

[@oliviatagoeduring]

@@ursamajor6347 where’s the hate?

[@tinamarie8061]

Yet when Naomi O tried to tell us the media tries to get in your head and make you doubt yourself they called her a whiner.

[@theire483]

So we'll spoken...they (Venus & Serena) had the right person (their dad) preparing them in every aspect of being great competitors.

[@Myflowers1]

Why would someone even ask such an awful question! They are gifted winners for a very long time.

[@its_all_in_the_feeling8448]

Venus I respect you for doing this interview I would have walked the hell out. 😡

[@Be1smaht]

She has amazing patience. This requires so much control to not lose it with these idiots.

[@davidcombs3617]

This aged really well. Great job by Venus.

[@tremainejyles8243]

Upbringing the willams sisters have endured, you got to pay big respect to Mr willams and ms williams for that, I meant for the press to come at Venus with a sneaky side effect trying to concore and divide a family like the willams sisters goes to show u how tight they fam really is. Sweet and humble and most defitnily smart enough to handle foolish question.

[@bensmith522]

And she did just that. She stood inside the baseline and returned Serena’s serve the entire match.

[@corinehenry6924]

Excellent response Venus. Sometimes those reporters think they are smart.

[@antoniojames9493]

Nearly 25 years later from first seeing her and I'm still crushing over her🥰😍🥰😍

[@objectivelyobserving6434]

Couple of things. The studio anchor says to Patrick that Venus was "absolutely bristling" which is a wishful lie. Venus swatted aside that dumb insinuation like a foot- fault serve. She later was smiling and laughing about their separate prematch rituals. Even in this minute clip, what Dementieva said wasn't entertained by the articulate diva" I don't want to talk about her". Journos obviously disappointed tripped chaotically over each other with follow up questions. If anything this clip served to augment her royalty.

[@barbaradunn5017]

The tennis media treated them horribly and Venus handled this question with such grace.

[@juanitarobinson1277]

I see why Lynch for the Seahawks didn’t like to deal with the press.

[@callygirlstewart]

One word for The Williams Sisters:Legendary

[@1butterontoast]

Funny how the Mannings never got asked this question 🤡

[@mrputtogether]

She said that with so much eloquence! 💪🏿

[@carlporter]

Brilliant interview! Roger Federer once explained that you can't gift to your opponent even one point because any point could cause a momentum shift. Federer learned as a junior that if you feel the least bit sorry for your opponent that you will quickly lose a match. There are so many close friendships on tour--all sports have these friendships between rivals. Either the reporter didn't really understand how a professional athlete operates, or he wanted to say something horribly insulting in the hopes of causing a stir to write about. Reminds me of the ridiculous questions teenagers ask their teachers just to cause a stir.

[@Bentleygirl7]

🎯💯👏

[@r.lolacooper2025]

Drama sells more "papers". That's the way it goes.

[@Coilygirl1]

They are so graceful. Even when she was offended she was still classy.💕

[@cenifh]

2008 interview recorded on a 1923 camera, what a relic!!!

[@theresa9101]

I love the Williams sisters. Big fan since day 1. Can't wait to see the movie. They are amazing human beings above and beyond the athletic achievements.

[@tamarabrown1220]

Credit to King Richard and Queen Oracine!!!!

[@madelynshinn9910]

US Open 2018

[@jamessmythe1891]

Steroids are hell of a substance

[@tamarabrown1220]

@@jamessmythe1891 of which neither sister has ever tested positive for. Good genes and diligence are even better!!

[@jamessmythe1891]

@@tamarabrown1220 High level Corruption and political interference is producing fake champions. Venus and Serena are both drug cheats, their drug taking is covered up for political reasons. look at their man like bodies, those huge shoulders, it’s obvious they use drugs. 39 years age is far old in tennis terms, Serena should have retired a long time ago but the banned PEDs keeps her going !

[@cmunnerl]

The perfect combination of confidence and humility

[@eizyaws]

Exactly

[@autiran.4111]

This is such a stupid question... they played all their lives... it competition. I wish ppl would stop projecting their impossibilities and insecurities on others.

[@madelynshinn9910]

These questions are so bad

[@winboogie42]

Always so poised. I loved that about her!

[@SK-jp2ok]

It’s not impossible. Imagine yourself as a kid playing any game with a sibling. You want to win!

[@z.t.8950]

Wow! Calm AND firm both. Not an easy thing to do.

[@noreenperez8666]

And the reporters, go on , and on,and on🙄

[@leighburton832]

She learned how to interview from Richard Williams.

[@mswright2133]

Venus is a class act‼️‼️‼️

[@ladymiss9466]

Why are they asking about her jumping up and down? these questions are stupid.

[@jamessmythe1891]

jumping up and down during the games should be banned, it distracts the opponent.

[@ladymiss9466]

@@jamessmythe1891 stop reaching

[@roxie2824]

@james Smythe if the opponent can be distracted then that's an issue they have to deal with

[@jamessmythe1891]

@@roxie2824 There’s no place for wild, uncivilised behaviour on tennis court, it also spoils the audience experience, better learn to behave and follow the rules.

[@ladymiss9466]

@@roxie2824 Thank you!

[@missnene8339]

When you really want to say, "I really don't care, I said what I said!" LOL

[@JovianEmpress]

Omg yes. I have been known to leave things at, I said what I said.

[@adinkraartscollective1723]

Amazing.sisters dominated the game. Despite the criticisms (often racialized), the jealousy the often flawed media discourse; they've cemented their legacy as amongst the best ever to pick a tennis racket..GOATS

[@delorasledge2492]

Class 👏🏼 🤙👌🏼☝🏽👊🏽 🙌 💯 Throughout the entire interview 🙏. Hell, I was tired of the questions and she was a kid doing this full-time.

[@barbaradunn5017]

Venus is so classy and answered beautifully, despite the rude questions from the press. Shame on the press.

[@fairisfair2986]

Shes so pretty

[@ladyj5682]

Venus make them respect you! You did good

[@rock-n-rollfoodie]

King Richard! She speaks four languages. Respect ❤️

[@hildaheard2185]

That lady meant was she said and Venus DEFINITELY meant what she said...drop the 🎤👏🏾

[@tyh4180]

She so damn pretty!!!

[@jamessmythe1891]

Are you sure about that and those man like shoulders !

[@kaosduval8503]

@@jamessmythe1891 just like Martina Navratilova

[@dahottestyet]

Those girls were well raised!

[@Demetri450]

So first they insinuate something based on what Elena said, then they back track & tries to imply that the question was misunderstood because Elena was misunderstood even after Venus stated that this is not about Elena, this is about the question you are asking. She called them out & instead of apologising they try & blame Elena & even the damn commentators won't call out the interviewer bs question. This did not age well.

[@sandrarichards7220]

Your are such a humble person Venus best of all time ❤️😍🙏

[@dap2u2]

Damn, the media used to ask stupid questions back then too!

[@StandingInTheGAPMinistriesInc]

Wonderful human being . Great job 👏🏽 parents !!! We love u Queen

[@morelandcapitalgroup8694]

I love how she gracefully scorned that reporter like how dare you TRY me like that.

[@pennypenny376]

God, I love just love love love her and Serena. All of the women I look up to in sports, entertainment and media are classy, gracious and self authorized. I'm so lucky I get to grow up and be inspired by these women.

[@beanie34]

Such a humble spirit...

[@bensmith522]

And she did everything that she was going to do. She stood inside the baseline and returned Serena’s serve the whole match.