The world-renowned tennis champions, Venus and Serena Williams, are making waves beyond the tennis courts with their latest venture: a podcast titled Stockton Street. This exciting new project is named after the street where they grew up in Compton, California, and promises to offer listeners an intimate look into their lives and experiences.
Serena Williams, widely regarded as the greatest of all time in women’s tennis, announced her retirement following the 2022 US Open, where she exited in the third round. With a remarkable 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she continues to hold the record for the most titles won in the open era.
Venus’s Resilience at the US Open
This year, her sister Venus made headlines by returning to the US Open at the age of 45, becoming the oldest singles competitor since 1981. Despite a first-round exit in the women’s singles event, she showcased her talent in the doubles category, advancing to the quarterfinals alongside her partner, Leylah Fernandez. Over the years, Venus and Serena have dominated the doubles scene together, boasting an impressive 14 Grand Slam doubles titles from 1999 to 2016.
Podcast Launch at Arthur Ashe Stadium
The inaugural episode of Stockton Street was recorded at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main venue for the US Open. This historical site holds significant meaning for both sisters; Venus clinched two out of her seven Grand Slam titles there, while Serena celebrated six of her 23 victories. As they reflect on their careers, the sisters candidly discuss their experiences competing against one another. Venus humorously recalls a time when Serena seemed unbeatable, stating, “There was a period where you were invincible, and I couldn’t play better than you. It felt like a two-year stretch.”
In a light-hearted exchange, Serena attributes her success during that span to a personal breakup, leading to laughter as Venus quips, “I wish I would have broken up too!” This genuine banter highlights the deep bond the sisters share, both on and off the court.
Exploring Sibling Dynamics
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Serena opened up about the complexities of their relationship throughout their careers. “Although we are incredibly close, our professional obligations often forced us to keep certain aspects of our lives private. As much as she’s my sister, she’s also my opponent, which limited our openness. This podcast is a fantastic opportunity for us to explore those dynamics and share our journey with our fans.”
Addressing Fan Curiosity
Venus adds that many fans have often questioned the nature of their relationship. “People have always wondered if we genuinely like each other, considering we have to compete against one another. Do we hate each other? Do we communicate? There’s so much of our relationship that we have yet to reveal, and this podcast allows us to unpack it all.”
The first episode of Stockton Street is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 17 at 11 a.m. ET, offering a unique blend of personal anecdotes and reflections from two of the greatest athletes in history. As the sisters embark on this new journey, fans can look forward to a series rich in insights, humor, and sibling love.
