Three Ways Serena Williams Impacted GOAT Culture

You don’t become the most valuable player by happenstance.

Over the last couple of days, we’ve seen publication after publication calling attention to Serena Williams—a brilliant athlete with a tennis career consistent of 23 Grand Slams and spanning nearly three decades. From photo posts, to video features, collected words of admiration and even some pointed criticism, it seems like everyone had something to say. Over here, we’ve just been taking it all in. The massive career. The oxymoronic reality of being the GOAT and also being eliminated in your final match. The undeniable influence of a real life champion. 

Ultimately there are three key takeaways that we’ve been able to see through it all—three major ways in which Serena Williams impacted GOAT culture.

GOAT = Greatest Of All Time (Urban Dictionary, 2004)

01 – Clarity

Repetition Compulsion is a condition where someone feels the need to constantly return to an experience from the past. It is often brought up to explain the behaviour of someone who appears to inexplicably reinvite previously endured pains or traumas into their lives, however, it is best understood as a byproduct of the human tendency to dwell in familiarity. One of the unique qualities of this condition is the particular cloud of confusion that tends to settle in the minds of those impacted by it.

When it comes to GOAT culture, we’ve seen repetition compulsion play out in many different ways. Certainly in entertainment, and certainly in sports. But as country music star Eric Church would say, “it’s over when it’s over.” And as Serena made the announcement in her Vogue essay  that she was “evolving away from tennis,” we got to see the kind of clarity that we don’t often see with stars of her magnitude let alone within ourselves. She was sad, but she was certain of what was good and right for her and her family.

02 – Confidence

Many notable figures including Jelena Ostapenko, President Joe Biden and Tiger Woods have made public remarks for Serena Williams since the close of what would be her final match. 

"Serena Williams, what an amazing champion you are and what an amazing athlete and person! Role model for so many of us. Tennis is gonna miss you so much! Wishing you all the best in your next chapter of life," — Jelena Ostapenko

“.@SerenaWilliams, you’re an inspiration, a champion of all time.

Thank you for dreaming, daring, and proving that anything is possible.” — President Joe Biden

“@serenawilliams you're literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!” — Tiger Woods

The key takeaway for us in these remarks, and the articles that surround them, is that even though she was eliminated after losing her final match, the win within seemed bigger than everything else. The amount of gratitude Serena has expressed. The amount of resolve she is conveyed. The amount of love poured out from the greats in various different industries and professions. Serena Williams has influenced millions of people to embrace confidence; to believe in themselves and trust that they are capable of making the right decisions in their lives.

“Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT!” — Coco Gauff

“Congratulations, Serena, for your heart, skill, intelligence, dedication, and grace. Few athletes have inspired more people both in and beyond their sport!” — President Barack Obama

03 – Consistency

Last and certainly not least, another way in which Serena Williams has impacted GOAT culture is with her consistency. Two core values that have remained very close to her heart throughout her life are family and faith. Serena has mentioned on many occasions how important it is to spend time with her loved ones, and make space to continually build her faith and grow spiritually.

As a number of people cited her impact, influence and inspiration being just as meaningful off court as on, perhaps this is something that’s come to mind. 

However you put it, Serena Williams is one of the greatest champions we’ve seen in many years. May she continue to pursue her dreams with clarity, confidence and consistency, and in all the ups and downs this life has to offer, may she continue to rise.

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