There is no understating the impact Williams has had on the game itself. But her role in helping sports journalists reimagine the scope of their work is a key part of her enduring legacy.
Athletes no longer need the press to communicate with fans. They can do that directly through social channels – and unless sports reporters do a better job asking questions, they may become obsolete.
Research shows that when professional players rise to No. 1 in the world rankings, it often coincides with the broader development of tennis talent in their home countries.
Bianca Andreescu’s success provides an example of how to cover women’s sport and promote the athletic achievement of female athletes with hype and enthusiasm.
Serena Williams challenged decades of stereotypes when she revealed her anger after she disagreed with a U.S. Open umpire. A racist caricature and calls to boycott her playing by umpires followed.
Sexism in sport plays out on and off the field. Differences in marketable qualities for endorsement deals as well reactions to male versus female athletes behaving badly are evidence of this.
By using her public profile to suggest bias in drug-testing, Williams is calling into question the integrity of those tasked with the role of monitoring ‘clean sport’.