Nearly all sports stars who get to the very top have a lot of confidence, and an old video of Serena Williams and her father has demonstrated this.
It has been nearly two years since Williams ended her career at the 2022 US Open after a defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic. There were incredibly emotional scenes afterward, with Williams and hundreds of fans in tears on the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion is one of the most successful players ever, and many consider her the greatest women's player ever. Her level, at its best, was utterly breathtaking to watch.
Williams generated attention recently at the Olympic Games. She and fellow legend Rafael Nadal carried the Olympic torch at the Seine. Seeing two giant figures in the sport together with the Olympic torch left tennis fans captivated.
Afterward, Williams said the boat ride at the opening ceremony was utterly unforgettable. Participating in such an important occasion after retiring indicates what a sporting icon the American is.
Her career has also inspired many other players. For instance, Coco Gauff is attempting to follow in Williams' footsteps, who won an Olympic gold in singles in 2012 and in doubles in 2000, 2008, and 2012.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion's incredible success meant she was also subjected to intense scrutiny off the court in an unpleasant manner, which she spoke about recently.
Williams recounted a period in her career where she was subjected to body shaming. She felt this happened due to her being a woman of color with a figure, and people used her to project their bigotry.
Those who attempted to mock Williams may have also been intimidated by her overwhelming belief in herself from a young age. That fact has resurfaced in an old video of Williams, with her father and former coach Richard also having total confidence in his daughter.
In a clip from a 2002 MTV interview below, Williams' father says that while his daughter will do her very best during a big match, she does not have to be at her best to win and that playing at 70% would suffice.
"Today is gonna be a big day. Serena's going to go out and do her very best. She don't have to play her best to win. All she has to do is play about 70%."
Serena concurred with that message. In the video, the American clearly states that she beats the majority of players on the WTA Tour when she plays at 70% of her potential.
"If I play 70% against most of the players on the WTA tour, I will win."
Some fans may not like this and could argue that Williams is arrogant. However, she backed up her confidence throughout her career. The 23-time Grand Slam champion's track record proves she was the best player of her generation.
Carrying that confidence level is not unusual for the biggest names in the sporting world. Williams had a big personality as a player, and this resurfaced video proves that once again.
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