Published 01/12/2023, 8:25 AM EST
Lewis Hamilton and tennis queen Serena Williams absolutely adore each other. Having risen to the top against the most difficult of circumstances, they both derive inspiration from each other’s journeys. Having endured racist abuse while growing up and sometimes even after achieving it all, they are vocal on the subject. As Serena was once subjected to another instance of abuse at the hands of a former tennis player, she gave a befitting reply which had Lewis’ complete backing.
Williams married Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in 2017. That same year, Serena gave birth to their daughter Olympia. While she was still carrying, former world no. 1, Ilie Nastase made some unsavory remarks on the race of her unborn child. The comments were made in light of Serena being a black woman and her husband white.
Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes before the Formula 1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Zandvoort circuit in Zandvoort, Netherlands on September 4, 2022. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Williams posted an emphatic response to the comments on her Instagram. The tennis star got her good friend Lewis’ unapologetic backing. Speaking ahead of the 2017 Russian GP, Hamilton said, “I’m very much with her in what she said.
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“I thought it was beautiful what she wrote as a powerful, independent black woman. I just think she’s awesome. She’s not only one of the greatest people I know, but she’s just a born leader and so rather than react in a negative way, reading what she’s written just inspires me and hopefully inspires others.”
The respect has never been one-sided between the duo. Serena holds Lewis in very high regard as well. She once praised him for his determination and commitment to excel in his respective sport.
Serena’s emphatic reply to Nastase’s comments
The International Tennis Federation launched an investigation and provisionally banned him from all International Tennis Federation events. Williams lauded the swift action from the ruling body.
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 13: Serena Williams (USA) looks dejected against Simona Halep (ROU) during their Ladies’ Singles Final on Day 12 of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)
On her Instagram, she wrote, “It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers.”
“I am not afraid unlike you. You see, I am no coward. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? You may shoot me with your words … you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air I will rise.”
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Serena’s response earned respect from fans and fellow athletes alike. It was nice to see that when it came to a serious issue like racism, someone like Lewis Hamilton was there to lend his support as well.