"The hardest part was telling the kids" - Serena Williams tearfully recalls the murder of her sister Yetunde and its devastating impact on her career

Serena Williams had her docuseries "In The Arena: Serena Williams" released earlier this month. The documentary focuses on some key highlights from her life and career.

The American star lost her half-sister Yetunde Price during a shootout in 2003, having a deep impact on Williams. In the first released episodes, she spoke about the gravity of the loss:

"I think the hardest part was telling the kids. I just remember, we stayed by an apartment that time and we just played uno. We got so close in the last six months. We were able to spend so much time together, and it was a time I'd never forget."

Williams further spoke about her struggles going into the 2007 Australian Open:

"Going to Australia, I was in a really bad place emotionally. I was dealing with a lot of things and I wasn't dealing with them well. I remember just being in Australia and just playing, playing, and try not to think about Yetunde, but it's impossible to not think about it, as it's always in your mind."

Williams underwent a knee operation in 2006, keeping her on the sidelines for over six months. This also resulted in her dropping out of the top 100 rankings. It was a tough phase for the American as she entered the 2007 Australian Open with a ranking of 81.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner has been vocal about going through a rough phase during this time of her career with personal setbacks and injuries having a lasting effect on her.

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Serena Williams revisits her iconic victory at the 2007 Australian Open

Serena Williams at Australian Open 2007 - Day 13 - Source: Getty

Williams reflected on the comments she received from critics and fans during the 2007 season:

"The general consensus was that I was a big fat cow."

Williams defied all expectations as she went on to beat the likes of Nadia Petrova, Shahar Peer and Nicole Vaidisova to enter the finals of the tournament. She handed a crushing defeat to Maria Sharapova in the finals with scores of 6-1, 6-2 to win her eighth Grand Slam. She said (via Australian Open):

"It was an awesome win because I had so many critics, so many people talking bad and saying negative things and saying I wasn't fit. I get the greatest satisfaction just holding up the Grand Slam trophy and proving everyone wrong."

Serena Williams' latest docuseries was released on 10 July, 2024 with 3 episodes out so far.