American legend Serena Williams recently made a powerful statement about women facing double standards and stigma, urging them to recognize their achievements and take pride in their wins. The tennis icon has recently added another honor to her list by receiving the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports from the royal family of Spain.
Serena Williams Reminds Women To Honor Their Achievements Unapologetically
Serena Williams and her older sister, Venus Williams, are widely considered two of the greatest players in women’s tennis history. The Williams sisters, whose careers were fundamentally shaped by their coach and father, Richard Williams, broke through challenges and limitations of varied kinds, including racial discrimination and gender prejudice.
In the latest episode of Serena and Venus Williams’ podcast, ‘Stockton Street,’ the former reflected on notable issues of self-recognition and gender expectations surrounding women. The episode initially aired on platform X and featured the acclaimed singer Ciara as the guest personality.
While expressing her thoughts, Serena added (25:00 onwards), “I think that’s an interesting point to make is that celebrate your wins. And I think also as women, to be honest, we are not taught to celebrate our wins, because it’s always something new and it’s always like, I don’t know, it’s almost never enough.”
She continued, highlighting the significant role of being a mom, “Having a kid is a huge victory, being a mom that’s a huge victory like doing what you do, winning a grammy, these are massive victories, we’re not really taught to. When you do go out in the scene, parties happening, it’s a lot of, mostly men having a fabulous time, as they should.”
Reinstating her point, the winner of 73 WTA singles titles added, “But we should also just enjoy, like its ok to be happy, and to say “I did a good job today” and to be proud of what you do and just celebrate your win.”
Ciara is a well-known songwriter, singer, dancer, and actress whose debut album, ‘Goodies,’ was released in 2004 and achieved quadruple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. It also received two Grammy Award nominations. In addition, she has received multiple awards and honors, including one Grammy Award and the African-American Film Critics Association Award in 2024.
Serena Williams Received a Standing Ovation While Receiving Her Award
For her decorated tennis career and contributions to the sport, Serena Williams received the 2025 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports. While accepting the prestigious award, the winner of four Olympic gold medals received a standing ovation at the Campoamor Theatre.
She was given the award by Leonor, the Crown Princess of Asturias, in the presence of her family, King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their youngest daughter, Infanta Sofía, the second in line of succession to the throne.
