After losing to Simona Halep in the Wimbledon final on Saturday, Serena Williams was asked about critics–namely tennis legend Billie Jean King–who have commented that the 23-time Grand Slam champion should take a break from activism to give more of her attention to tennis.
During her post-match press conference, Williams quickly rebuked the idea, saying, "The day I stop fighting for equality and for people that look like you and me will be the day I'm in my grave."
In June, King had commented that Williams could benefit from putting "everything else aside" from tennis as she continues her quest to tie Australian Margaret court's Grand Slam title record of 24, per Metros' George Bellshaw:
"She's got business, a baby, she's trying to help gender equity, particularly for women of color, she's actually on the Billie Jean King leadership initiative, she and Venus are both advisors for it.