Venus and Serena Williams' Parents Divorce

By Rado Vleugel

The parents of the famous tennis sisters Venus and Serena Williams have completed their divorce according to the Associated Press (you can read the news item below). The tennis sisters were raised as Jehovah's Witnesses by their mother. They were also home-schooled by her. The father is as far as I know not a Witness and is only interested in their tennis careers.

The girls seem to follow the religion of their mother: "Thanks to my god, Jehovah," Serena exclaimed this year (2002) after winning the French and Wimbledon back to back.

Williams' Parents Finish Divorce

The Associated Press
Wednesday, October 30, 2002; 1:47 PM

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. –– The parents of Venus and Serena Williams have completed their divorce.

The divorce won't affect the advisory roles Richard and Oracene Williams play in their daughters' tennis careers, Raymone Bain, a publicist for Oracene and Serena Williams, said Tuesday.

The settlement was a no-fault divorce, Bain said, but financial terms were kept private. The case was filed in state circuit court.

The couple married in 1980 and separated about 18 months ago, Bain said. He said the sisters and their parents will continue to live in Palm Beach Gardens.

"I was very honest with our children that a reconciliation would not happen," Oracene Williams said in a statement. "They've accepted our divorce and love us, as we both love them. Richard and I will continue to work together for the good of our girls, and I truly wish him well."

Williams, who began grooming his daughters as preschoolers to become tennis stars and is still their coach, declined to comment.

Mrs. Williams, who plans to revert to her maiden name, Price, also has been influential in her daughters' careers.

Serena and Venus have won four Grand Slam titles apiece. Serena has won the past three majors and is ranked No. 1 in the world.