“She had to support seven people… We wouldn’t have survived”: When Serena Williams praised her mom Oracene’s strength after dad Richard quit his job

Serena Williams once opened up about her deep admiration for her mother, Oracene Price, who supported their family after Richard Williams quit his job to coach Venus and Serena full-time. Serena called her mother’s sacrifice unimaginable and courageous.

Speaking on *Red Table Talk* in 2021, Serena recalled how Richard’s bold decision placed the entire financial responsibility on Oracene. Despite the pressure, she kept the family of seven afloat, ensuring Serena and Venus could pursue their tennis dreams without worry.

Serena emphasized that she could never imagine her own husband doing the same, stating she’d struggle to accept such a sacrifice. She praised Oracene for her strength, saying they “wouldn’t have survived” without her unwavering support and determination.

Describing her mom as “the spine” of their family, Serena added that Oracene was her true role model. Even during her career, Serena often turned to her mother—not her coach—for critical advice and strength, honoring her influence on and off the court.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!