Last year my very good friend Serena Williams suffered painful setbacks and major health scares. Her private fight to regain her health was publicly scrutinized as critics and athlete pundits discussed if she could make a full comeback in tennis. At the Wimbledon Championships on Tuesday, Serena silenced all of her critics as she won her first match. Emotional, Serena cried into her towel as she walked off to the court. I could not have been more proud of my dear friend. I know that her love for tennis lives in her veins. The win symbolized that she defeated fear, doubt, heartache and all of the naysayers that counted her out.
Many tennis lovers appreciated the talent that Serena showcases on the court. However, it is her indestructible power to not die, to not quit that has made her an international phenomenon. The power that you see on the court is the same strength that she uses to execute greatness in every area of her life. Serena, I am so proud of you and inspired many more than you can imagine! You truly understand that failure is not an option. You are a true hero.
Watch this video of Serena as she is interviewed by ESPN after her match at Wimbledon
