- The Washington Times - Sunday, July 14, 2019

Tennis star Serena Williams responded to criticism about her off the court interests Saturday — vowing to fight for equality until the “day I’m in my grave.” 

A reporter asked Williams after he Wimbledon loss to Simona Halep about comments made by Billie Jean King in which the former tennis great said it could be difficult for Williams to maintain a high level of play with how much she has going on other than tennis. Williams has lost three straight Grand Slam finals.

The day I stop fighting for equality and for people that look like you and me will be the day I’m in my grave,” Williams said. 

In an interview with BBC, King said she would “give up” being a celebrity for an extended period of time, if she were Williams. 

She’s got a baby, she’s trying to help gender equity, particularly women of color. But it makes it much harder,” King told the network. “I would like her to put everything else aside, because she’s got people working on those things. I wish she would just make a commitment for the next year and a half to two years and say, I’m going to absolutely focus on what’s necessary for my tennis, so when I look in the mirror when I’m older, then I can go back in my mind and know I gave it everything I had.”

After Williams’ response, King tweeted she would “never ask” for anyone to stop fighting for equality.

• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.

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