Shortly after her emphatic straight sets triumph over Belinda Bencic in the first round of the Australian Open, Serena Williams has spoken out about equal rights.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion entered her routine post-match press conference wearing a Nike t-shirt with the word ‘equality’ written on it. The item was worn to mark Martin Luther King Day, a American holiday that celebrates and remembers the achievements of the civil right pioneer. It is a holiday of deep meaning for Williams, who has spoken out against racism throughout her career.
“With today being Martin Luther King Day, it’s important to spread the message of equality, which is something he talked about a lot and he tried to spread a lot, is equality and rights for everyone.” Said Williams.
Nike, who sponsor Williams, has been a vocal supporter of equal rights. This year they have launched a National Mentoring Partnership, which aims to use sport to promote diversity, inclusion and equality. The approach taken by the company is one that has been praised by Williams, who has expressed her desire to be part of ‘a movement’ in equal rights.
“Nike and all the Nike athletes really want to be a part of this movement, especially, again, being that it’s Martin Luther King Day. And we really just want to speak up about things that we believe in and talk about equality.” She explained.
It is not the first time that Williams has addressed equality following a match. Shortly after lifting the Wimbledon title last year, the 35-year-old spoke about a series of incidents involving police targeting minorities, especially the black community. At the time she said ‘anyone in her colour is particularly of her concern’ after two separate incidents of black men being killed by American Police within the same week.
Discussing the future, Williams has warned that issues surrounding equality are ones that should ‘concern everyone’.
“I think it’s a concern for just everyone in general. We want to make sure we always continue to move forward and always have the opportunity to have equal rights for all.” She said.
Williams will play Lucie Safarova in the second round of the Australian Open on Thursday.
