OMG!! The tennis world is in mourning today as Serena Williams tearfully announced the sudden passing of her father and longtime coach, Richard Williams, at the age of 82. In an emotional video statement posted to her Instagram and X accounts, Serena appeared visibly shaken as she addressed her millions of fans:

The tennis world is in mourning today as Serena Williams tearfully announced the sudden passing of her father and longtime coach, Richard Williams, at the age of 82..

In an emotional video statement posted to her Instagram and X accounts, Serena appeared visibly shaken as she addressed her millions of fans:

> “With the heaviest heart, I have to share that our father, Richard Williams, passed away unexpectedly early this morning. I don’t have all the words right now… but what I do know is that he was our rock. He believed in Venus and me before the world even knew our names. He was our first coach, our fiercest protector, and the reason we are who we are.”

Serena paused multiple times during the statement, at one point breaking down in tears as she recalled her father’s sacrifices and unwavering belief in his daughters’ dreams.

> “He would wake us up before the sun came up. He studied the game, wrote a 78-page plan for our careers before we even picked up a racket. People called him crazy… but he was just ahead of his time. Dad, we did it. And we’ll keep doing it. For you.”

Richard Williams, known as a visionary and trailblazer in the world of tennis, famously coached both Venus and Serena from a young age, guiding them to superstardom with a mix of unshakable confidence and unconventional methods. His story was brought to life in the Oscar-winning film King Richard, in which actor Will Smith portrayed him.

Tributes from across the world have begun pouring in. Billie Jean King wrote:

> “Richard Williams changed tennis forever. His belief in his daughters—and in the power of Black excellence—opened doors for generations. Rest in peace, King.”

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal also paid his respects, writing:

> “What he did for Serena and Venus is one of the most remarkable stories in sports. Deep condolences to the Williams family.”

No official cause of death has been announced yet, though sources close to the family say it was sudden and unrelated to any known health condition.

The Williams family has asked for privacy during this time, but Serena noted a public memorial will be held “soon,” adding,

He gave us everything. And now we’ll celebrate everything he gave the world.”

Richard Williams may be gone, but his legacy lives on every time a young girl picks up a tennis racket and believes she can conquer the world.