The crime-ridden streets of Compton, had little to no resources to offer, and their turfs were screaming for help. While an average modest citizen believes nothing good can prevail and defeat the already accustomed routine of the people residing, some refuse to sit for the ride. A prime example of that is Serena Williams. The doughty American star, known for her exquisite performances and a legacy far too laborious to replicate, inspired generations to come. Not only do budding female players look up to her, but an ATP star also learned a thing or two from her and decided to express his thoughts on a fitting occasion.
Japanese sensation Kei Nishikori holds the 23-time Slam champion in high regard. The 35-year-old arrived in Tennis Paradise for the BNP Paribas Open on the back of a Round of 32 exit to Mackenzie McDonald in Delray Beach. The former World No. 4 commenced his Masters 1000 campaign with a commanding opening round victory over Jaume Munar. However, the Japanese player’s trail ended in the Californian desert after bowing to Ugo Humbert in straight sets. Later, he sat for a fun questionnaire on International Women’s Day where he disclosed Williams as the woman who had the deepest impact on him.
“I will say Serena [Williams]. I like to watch how she plays – very, very powerful, and very fashionable. Looks like she’s enjoying playing tennis,” he spoke. For those unaware, the former WTA star called time on her career following a series of appearances at the US Open in 2022. Since then, Williams has indulged in several business commitments, expanding her venture capitalist portfolio, and spending adorable moments with her family of four including her husband Alexis Ohanian, and two daughters, Olympia and Adira.
‘Which woman has had the most impact on you?’
Kei Nishikori: ‘I will say Serena [Williams]. I like to watch how she plays – very, very powerful, and very fashionable. Looks like she’s enjoying playing tennis’ @atptour #InternationalWomensDay pic.twitter.com/W42ra88rkm
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) March 8, 2025
As for Nishikori, the 35-year-old hasn’t tasted much success on the tour in recent times. Though he is the only Japanese male to achieve a ranking in the top 5, several physical restraints have challenged his return to competition. He underwent two right elbow surgeries a decade apart in 2009, and again in 2019. Moreover, in January 2022, the World No. 76 also had hip surgery. Not particularly on a winning spree, the woman who inspired him, on the other hand, hardly suffered the same fate.
With 73 WTA singles titles under her belt, the American icon firmly established herself on the tour. However, her experience at the Indian Wells Masters wasn’t particularly soothing. Despite being its two-time champion, she infamously boycotted the tournament for over a decade.
Serena Williams was criticized by fans after match-fixing accusations soared at the Indian Wells Masters in 2001
American generational talent Serena Williams lifted the Indian Wells title for the first time in 1999 at just 17 years old. However, when she returned to record a similar outing in 2001, the former World No. 1 faced acute backlash from fans, despite winning the title decider. She was jeered by the crowd throughout her final match and even during the trophy presentation after her elder sister Venus Williams withdrew from their semifinal contest minutes before taking to the court, prompting fans to accuse the duo of match-fixing.
Moreover, when their father Richard Williams, and her sister Venus entered the arena to cheer for her, the crowd booed even louder. Shocked by the audible displeasure, Williams later addressed the incident during her post-match presser saying the USA still had problems with racism.
“Race? I think black people have been out of slavery now for just over a hundred years, and people are still kind of struggling a little bit. It hasn’t been that long. I don’t know if race has anything to do with this particular situation. But in general, I think, yeah, there’s still a little problem with racism in America,” she said.
Unfortunately, this incident sparked an intense controversy in the community. However, the aftermath saw the Williams boycott the event for almost 14 years before Serena eventually returned to Indian Wells in 2015. Regardless of the outcome, the American legend recorded an envy-worth legacy and gave naysayers an appropriate response to the harsh criticism she suffered over the years.
The post “I Like To Watch How…”: Japanese ATP Legend Can’t Stop Recounting Serena Williams’ Elegance on Court appeared first on EssentiallySports.
