I like Venus's father, Mr. Richard Williams, expressed that Venus was the player to beat, especially after Serena won the Australian Open. If I am not mistaken this is a repeat of 2005. Serena won the AO, Justine took the French and Venus claimed Wimbledon, along with Roger Federer, the men's champion. I hate when the media and other critics minimize the accomplishments of this great athlete.

The Williams Sisters are the best...

Definetly NOT the Tiger Woods of Tennis! Both Venus and Serena are great players. But to say the best of all time is more than a stretch, its unrealistic. While they both won majors, they lost there focus by focusing on issues other than tennis. A classic example would be Serena's descision to wear boots during her warmups. Too much focus on image, not enough on the game. Tennis is unique in that there is no off-season, there is no coaching during matches, if you don't win you don't make any money and it is the second most participated sport in the world next to soccer. Therefore, if your focus isn't entirely on the game, your preparation, your attitude etc. etc., you will faulter. Both Venus and Serena have met this fate. We may see them win another major but that will be rare. But, as I said, they are great players just not the greatest of all time.

She won Wimbledon in 2005, great player.

Venus is and will continue to be the best current female tennis player, she punished an extremely annoying and overrated Maria Sharapova in the Wimbledon semis, (she's not even that hot) and went on the win the greatest womens' wimbledon final ever. People say she acted like a brat and showed little class after the win, but come on after the past couple of years she's had and to pull off an amazing win like that she should've been excited.

Very ungracious when she loses.

Venus is a great great black player BUT the way she carried on after this year's Wimbledon final when she beat an injured opponent was a major disgrace and unfortunately says a lot about her. Not one of the greats and should show a little class after the matches. Carried on like a tennis brat and didnt even give Lindsay Davenport any real tribute at the after match ceremony...Shame Venus Shame

Slightly better than Serena!!And why the hell is Maria Sharapova at #1!!!Venus beat her today in 2 sets at Wimbledon!!!Maria is way overrated!!!Like I said Sharapova beat Serena but Venus is the best of the best!!!Maria doesn't stand a chance against Venus!!!Venus is back!!She is definately the best female tennis athlete and proabably will be for a while!!!

I love Venus, but i want her to dedicate more of herself to tennis, shes losing to many matches she shouldve won this year, she should back on top where she belongs

CLASS PERSONIFIED, A CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONAL, AN INSPIRATIONAL ATHLETE. Monica Seles & Lindsay Devenport may have pioneered the hard-hitting baseliners game of today WTA players but Venus and Serena Williams perfected and dominated it. So far in this year of 2004 we have seen Venus on the road to comeback. While we have seen her take some very difficult losses at the Grand Slams, she did so with grace, dignity and a smile. In the face of terrible umpiring (Wimbledon 2004 - awful awful) she handled herself with complete grace and professionalism. She has this year, on this difficult comeback, also won 2 clay-court titles. Clay being her worst surface. I think Venus has more class than her sister and many other WTA players. Keep it up Venus - we love you.

Fluctuating between the 2nd and 3rd best player in the world depending on the surface.

Just like her sister. Really, really good.

Again, if Seles is excluded, Venus Williams has been passed by her sister Serena when it comes to being thee most arrogant and obnoxious woman in tennis today. Congratulations - at least it's still in the family!

Venus is regal. She is a vision.

poor sport ruining tennis

Always looks awkward and gawky on the court. Doesn't get much better off the court. Her obnoxious attitude won't win her any fans.

Venus has 4 grand slams to date and she carries herself very well. She is also very smart and strong. On the tennis court she has lots of variety and knows when to go to plan B. Good Luck Venus in 2003!

The only time I have ever seen her lose is to her sister.

She will never be a fan favorite because of the low style she brings to the court. To be a great tennis star one needs more then just skill. One needs a sense of style and class. Sadly, both sisters are lacking in this area...

Does she ever lose?

THE TIGER WOODS OF TENNIS!!!!!

She's powerful, athletic and beautiful, with awesome skills.

Great player, much more grown-up acting than her sister, who gave the most pathetic excuse I have ever heard for losing to Capriati, who is THE best after Davenport, and not half as annoying as her obnoxious, racist, pain-in-the-a** father. But I'm getting a little tired of her winning all the time, and she has room for personality improvement. I think a one-on-one with Capriati would be good for Venus (except for the fact that Serena would probably say, if Venus lost, that her sister was getting over the flu and was not in her best playing conditions :>(. And we'd all have to listen to it.)

She's a great player, and that's all that matters.

What goldielocks (and so many others like him/her) don't understand is that it has nothing to with the color of a persons skin, but how the person acts and carries themselves. Their behavior would be resented white or black or purple. Goldielocks gives away his/her own prejudice by what was written. Read closely, between the lines and it's easy to see. Remember, lack of class is still lack of class no matter what the persons color is.

Venus and her sister Serena are the greatest tennis players. Why can't everyone just give them their props and stop downplaying their talent. They give 100 percent at every game, yet are always scrutinized. Let's give credit where credit is due!

First of all, VENUS WILLIAMS AND HER SISTER SERENA ARE CLASS AND ELEGANCE PERSONIFIED. When was the last time you saw athletes able to compete and WIN while being booed and called "n***er", "monkey" and "ugly b***h." It is easier for you naysayers to accept ignorant Shaquilee O'Neal who shoots the bird or curses out the fans who have spent their last dollar to see his overgrown self play. He feeds into your stupid stereotypes. Furthermore, cockiiness is Kobe Bryant (jerk)(but that is another topic). In any event, white media is just pissed off because no one can touch the Williams or their pride. The white media and white America would be happier if the Williams sister would act "their place" and be feet shuffling, subservient Ngroes reminiscient of the the antebellum era. NOT! in this lifetime. Slave days are over! Further more, speaking of not having any class. The white girl on the Olympic swim team who accused her Russian opponent of being on steroids is not CLASSY. She created an unnecessary fuss and exhibited poor sportsmanship about her loss. VENUS NOR SERENA have to speak to anyone. They don't owe the Brits, the Americans or anyone else a thing. Hats off to them for having the courage and stamina to tell the racist white media to kiss their **! Detractors like John Mcwhatever has dogged them out for "lack of sportsmanship." Mr. Mcwhatever his name was the worst sportsman when he played. He often would throw his racquet and curse out the linesman. A total jerk. How soon one forgets. Now he is talking negatively about the Williams. He and the entire white media need to get a life. The only thing white America has "permitted" and "acknowledged" Blacks to excel in are entertainment and sports. And only because it is not as threatening as science or math. GET A GRIP. Blacks are not naturally athletic. WE PRACTICE hard and don't allow mommy or daddy's money to get us into the country club facilities or college. STOP BEING JEALOUS AND ACCEPT THE WILLIAMS for what they are... SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRES.

Venus has the potential to be the best player in the WTA among her contemporaries right now. I have read all the comments posted here about issues of racism, attitude, arrogance, etc. I think Venus should be judge on her own aptitude or merit instead of her father's issues. I gave Richard all the credit in the world for his dedication to his family (daughters) but he has to realize that Venus and Serena are young intellegent women who has the ability to defend themselves if need be. He should take a back seat and just support them at their matches - be the caring father he is behind the scenes. As far as Venus having an attitude and no class - in my opinion, that is so far from the truth. What has she done to show that she is classless. She has stated that she is the best -why can't someone say that they are the best if they believe that they are - what is wrong with that? What is wrong with believing in oneself? If Venus was unintelligent then she would be call a big dummy, but because she is an educated, confident young woman, she is called arrogant and classless and cold. That's not right. No one knows what goes on behind the close doors in the WTA locker rooms. Mybe venus' so called aloofness and arrogance is a defense mechanism to deal the ills she's faced and is still facing on tour. I am a fan of Venus and will continue to be one until she's done something that doesn't merit my admiration for her. Another thing, racism is a big issue in this country and will contine to be. Some of the venom that the Williams sisters are experiencing from the public can be attributed to racism - plain and simple. Everything cannot be blame on racism though. Richard, great has he is as a father, isn't helping the racism issue. The media hasn't help in this respect either, they are always willing and ready to listen and write what he says. They are always adding fuel to the fire - wonder why?

To all those people (white) who want to bad mouth the Williams Sister's. Grow Up! If they were White, there would be no uproar. If it wasn't for the Williams sisters and Tiger Woods, Womens Tennis and Golf would still be in the hole it was before they came on the scene. People (White) are just upset that the people who did bring these games back in the forefront are black. They are very confident in who they are and their skills. You people(white) can't stand them for that. If they were white, you wouldn't have one unkind word to say.

Venus was my number one fan from the first match that I saw her play! Serena is a close second for sure. Her Daddy Richard is a little strange. I do consider the way that he has been treated, and apparently still is treated as a less than a equal human being among whites. I was, and still am all aglow after seeing Venus win the Wimbledon final. I did notice the spectators with their obvious racial biases showing through when they routed so heavily for whats her name. Venus is the greatest!!

Venus Williams is the best thing to happen to women's tennis in the last ten years. She and her sister have added style and more power to the game. You can no longer be a tennis player, you must be a tennis althele (sorry Lindsay Davenport). Some people have made the comment that she has no class, but noone sees what she goes though behind the scenes. Tennis is still a very private and very clickish and many times racist sport. Why must she make a "Front" for people that speak negative about her and her game. If you want proof of the bad energy that is thrown at her, just watch and listen to what is said about her. Chris Everret cant say more than two positive things about her and John M. is a hypocrisy. Venus has won three singles grandslam titles and gold medals and many doubles titles. Anna Kournikova has not won a title and will never win a title and she has all kind of great press. Venus is in a class of her own. PEACE

I think Venus is a phenomenal person. She has proven to everyone that she can be the best but what I admire most about her is her mental strength. She truly believes in her ability as a tennis player. Her sister is pretty good also but I think she needs to gain a bit more confidence in her game. I think their father also deserve some praise as well despite the controversy that he sometimes cause. It just goes to show you what the Black race can achieve if the fathers are willingly to stick in their with their children and show them the way to live up to their potential. Without him there would be no Venus or Serena today. He and his wife has done a great job in bringing up two great tennis players. Richard is not perfect (no parent is) but he is fiercely proud of his daughters. Congrats Venus on winning Wimbledon once again. I love you!!

I felt it historic when Venus won her second Wimbledon title today. The crowd was against her but she still pulled her game together and virtually sufficated her opponent. Right now she is the greatest player out there.

She is clearly one of the most notable players of our day, not withstanding race. She has added a new excitement to the game. She will be noted as the Michael Jordan of Tennis. The ratings in the games in which she has played are near the highest. Please mature beyond only seeing a race. Please. Considering her in the ranks of female greats she is gradually moving forward.

If Venus and Serena could just keep Daddy Richard out of it, they would both be better off. He is a racist with a big chip on his shoulder, typical of men who have had to grow up in a racist society. Leave your kids alone, Richard. Until you do, they'll never be accepted for their talents.

I have been a fan of the Williams sisters since the first time I watched them play. You can say anything you want about there father (who seems to thrive on controversy), but the Williams girls are as good as it gets. I am a 36 year old white male from Arizona, I imagine I am not typical of their core fanbase. These girls are amazing athletes, well spoken, composed and beautiful; they are amazing. I just watched an interview with Venus mostly focussed on her previous Wimbeldon win, she was humble and gracious. I wish there were more people in the world like these girls!! They put family first and place an emphasis on education. I am and always will be a fan.

I'm sick and tired of Venus, her sister Serena and their father. I say this after the Indian Wells tournament. They just don't have credibility with me anymore. Venus' behavior of withdrawing just a few minutes before her match inconvienced a lot of tennis fans who had to stand for hours in line for a refund. She says her knee hurt her. What a lie. She just didn't want to play her sister. They were all in it and as far as I'm concerned that was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I think that Venus is an exceptional tennis player. I think that most of the controversy that surrounds her is based on racist attitudes, because she doesn't fit the "established" image of what a tennis champion should be. I say to both Serena and Venus, "Be true to yourselves and God will take care of the rest"

All she has is power

I think the Williams sisters are phenomenal. They have worked hard most of their lives to get where they are today, and I think it is a shame that even in the year 2001, they must try to win under circumstances that other players do not have to be concerned about. It was embarrassing the way the fans booed Serena, and I do not know how she managed to win. I believe in their hearts that their fondest dreams would be to simply go out on the court and play tennis just like anyone else. I have never seen them disrespecting anyone, and I certainly would not take the words of those aging tennis snobs that keep controversy going so they will have something to broadcast. And, as far as their father is concerned he has the satisfaction of knowing that nobody can claim that they "created" the Williams sisters. He is a free citizen and he is entitled to do what he wants. What does any one of us know about what those people had to go through to get where they are. We only know what we have read, and just like anywhere else, there is a lot of jealously going on out there.

Like her, but her father should keep his mouth shut, he hurts those girls more than he helps.

Being African BUT American I am still waiting for Venus and Serena to develop the poise and social grace that makes ADMIRED Champions. They wear their personal racial issues and their under developed social skills on their sleeves and it comes across as rough, crude and "street", not to mention their arrogance. Remember GOD GIVETH AND TAKETH AWAY!

VENUS IS ONE OF THE BEST PLAYER WHO HAS EVER LIVED IN AFRICAN AMERICAN TENNIS HISTORY AND WILL ALWAYS BE. SHE HAS THE PERFECT ATTITUDE WHETHER SHE LOOSSES OR NOT AND HER FATHER TAUGHT BOTH OF THEM VERY WELL AND I GIVE A COMPLIMENT FOR THAT. SHE WILL BE ON TOP ONE DAY AND WILL NOT EVER COME DOWN BECAUSE IN MY EYES SHE CAN BEAT ANY MANKIND ON THIS EARTH IF SHE JUST PUTS HER MIND TO IT. SHE AND SERENA ARE MY IDLES IN LIFE. THEY LOOSE A GAME THEY'LL DO BETTER NEXT TIME IS WHAT I SAY. THEY ARE THE REASON I REALLY GOT STARTED IN TENNIS BECAUSE I SAW YOUNG BLACK FEMALES SUCEEDING IN SOMETHING FOR ONCE AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN IT.IF ANYONE HAS ANYHTING THING DIFFERENT TO SAY THAN THE BEST WORDS THAN CONACT ME BECAUSE THEY ARE TO BUSY WORRING ABOUT HOW TO BECOME NUMBER ONE AND WINNING WINBELON.

I love Venus. She is a very fine women. She might not be as thick as her sister but she has a nice body. Anyway, she's a great player. She really should be number 1. She can beat anybody, especially Martina Hingis.

She is just the coolest. Keep up the good work. I'll be watching for you in the next Olympics

I love Venus. She's the greatest star ever. Her style and her performance is just outstanding. Not only is she a great tennis star, she's also a great person. Sure she has her controversial dad, but you shouldn't take out your criticism on her. She's incredible in many ways. Last night, she guessed star on the Simpsons cuz she's so cool. She's my role model. I would do anything 2 meet her. I bought a ball off the internet with her signature.About her performanced in tennis, I think she nailed every part of her game but she could work on her serve. In the australian open, her serve let her down and Martina Hingis took over the match. But that was one ,match. No one's perfect. But ure pretty close when u win 2 grand slams in one year. 2 evrybody who thinks low of Venus, I dont hate u but she's a nice woman and has been surrounded by controversy bcuz of her dad. Thank u. P.S. ISerena is my second favourite star as well. She has a lot of potential. Her and Venus r virtually unbeatable.

Good player (that's why I gave her a 2!) but she thinks she's the best! Wake up and smell the coffee Venus! Martina is world No.1 and Lindsay is world No.2! Her attitude is horrible because she never gives credit, she blames losses on injuries or line-calls. Venus will never be the best becasue she never plays enough and the only reason events give her and Serena wildcards for doubles becasue they are scared of Daddy Williams sueing them!

Williams sisters - the best.

Venus Willaims, Does not make me a proud American, She has extreme talent, but needs to show alittle more humility. Martina Hingis showed her yesterday that she can be beat any day of the week. Just like everyone else.

Love Venus and Serena.They are so wonderful.Drop dead beaufitful.Love those leggs.

Venus is the best female tennis player in the world. I use to be in love with her sister, but Venus's tennis and her smile have won me over. Underneath that sweet exterior is a young lady with enough focus, determination, and awareness to take her wherever she wants to go. She just needs to remember that she is a person that plays tennis very well and all other labels that she or anyone else put on her are just big distractions. I think all female tennis players are great, but Venus is a notch above right now, and she can stay that as long as she wants.

She is the finest and she is a great player. If she holds her health she will become one of the greats. To those like a Maggie on 09/19/00 who think she is racist I say define racism. Look who is calling who racist now. The game is better off because of Venus and her sister. They made your once elite and racist sport respectiblea and legitimate. Yes Maggie they bring credibility to "your" game. Personally I don't see why they have to associate with anyoone but themselves. They sure didn't come to the sport to look for relationships. Look who is talking about now about mixing. There was a time when you and your type violently discouraged mixing accross the board in workd. More power to the sisters if all they will love is their family and themselves. You should praised them for their strong family ties. I could just hear you had these beautiful African girls/women been all over the shop getting into trouble. Yep you and your type would like to see them tip toe about you scared tennis environ. I am happy they did not elect to go that route. They made and is making loud noise as they entered so you and the rest would have no confusion as to whether or not they have arrived. Like it or not the "Ghetto" Black African are on your tennis grounds. If you don't like it I suggest you build a bridge and get over it. I am extremely proud of them because the are not uncle Tom type black folks. They are not out there to be your typical poster type role model. You know the kind. People of color everywhere love them just the way they are. In black community you will find that Venus is more the role model than Tiger. Why? Black is not a look thing it is a heart thing. Tiger look black for sure.

Sure venus is a good player and so is her sister, but they both totally lack any class or respect for their opponents, and therefore do not present a positive image for the sport of tennis. They totally lack good sportsmanship and aren't likeable people at all. I don't care if they are black, green, yellow, blue, brown or white. They and their father also come across as racist. They could, however, look to Tiger Woods as an example of having class. They also don't even appear to associate with anyone else but each other. Are they that insecure as human beings? Whatever.

venus is a very terrible player and i would like to know if she can get her father to coach me if so my # is 01149 06181 520016 this isn't a joke i really like what mr. williams has done for his young lady. you are #1 in my book

Like her sister, she is simply awesome and she also has to learn how to be a tennis player and not only a power hitter. When that day comes, she and her sister will dominate the game!

Venus is one of the best out there. Her power and athleticism make her so great. When I was watching her match w/ Hingis at Wimbledon, I was totally amazed by how she dominated her early on. One volley they went back and forth with cross-courts, and she was able to continue doing that and won the point. She deserves to win a major, hopefully at the 2000 Wimbledon.

The Williams sisters are great players but have an attitude.

I like Venus and Serena because even though they compete against each other, they are a team in a sense.

With Serena, will be the greatest 1-2 combo in women's tennis History.