Go Williams

Dear Venus and Serena,

I have been seriously following tennis for only about 30 months, but you were two of the very first names I recognized on either tour. I was there at the 1999 U.S. Open, watching both of you play an early-round doubles match. My family and I cheered you guys on at Court 17 and waited hopefully to catch a glimpse of you as you exited the grounds with your father. My mom yelled "I love you, Venus!" and you waved at her. It was really exciting.

Even more so was the history you two have made throughout the years while being African-American and from the 'hood in a sport made for the rich and privileged, battling racism and jealousy of the general public and fellow peers, and climbing back from personal and professional low points to inspired new levels. Most inspirational of all is that you did it together.

As I watched your documentary, I relived the achievements and the disappointments, the triumphs and the tribulations, and wondered to myself how do they keep going at it? Surely the training, the travel, the stress, something has to be irksome about this harsh profession now that they're both on the other side of 30. How can they ignore all of that?

I've learned that it boils down to love; love of tennis and each other. And it shows every match I see either of you play. I saw it on Saturday in your 24th head-to-head meeting, and again while watching old YouTube clips of you girls when the two of you took the world by storm, and yet again while watching your documentary.

Tennis is a harsh sport. You work so hard to get to your peak, but that period of dominance rarely lasts. So it makes me happy to hear that even if you're both too old and washed up for singles, you will keep playing doubles until kingdom come (or until you don't medal at the Olympics, whichever's first). Thank you, Venus and Serena, for lasting in a sport that has such a short lifespan. You're the reason I love tennis and the reason I am blogging today. Keep fighting out there. As always, I'll be rooting for you.

Lots of love and appreciation,

SholznBowlz