Lewis Hamilton was full of praise for the Williams sisters for the success they have achieved throughout their careers - as he praised Will Smith's 'amazing' portrayal of their father in the biopic King Richard. The star siblings changed the landscape of women's tennis, with their brutal baseline games and ruthless serving powering them to a combined total of 30 grand slam singles titles.
From humble beginnings in Compton, California, under the tutelage of father Richard, the pair overcame any financial shortcomings and racial barriers to become the masters of their craft. Hamilton, 37, has achieved great levels of success in his sport and fought through similar issues as his tennis counterparts to become the most successful F1 driver of all time.
Hamilton was reflecting on King Richard, which tracks the life of Venus and Serena ’s esteemed coach, as well as their rise from childhood to superstardom. He praised the sisters for the drive and determination they showed to not only enter the sport of tennis but to be the best at it, despite the adversity they faced.
“All of us have watched those two, both of them rise and see their success and trials and tribulations and like all of us we very much don’t understand what it has taken to get there,” the Mercedes driver explained. “People that tune in probably just think they are the best, not understanding the commitment and the time and the sacrifice they have to put in and so it is amazing that Will [Smith] was able to highlight that.
“Behind everyone who is successful there is always somebody, it is inspiring for families out there, I am sure anyone here who has kids wants the best for their kids and wants to create the best opportunity and push them in the right way but not too much.”
King Richard was at the forefront of the 94th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday night, as Will Smith won best actor for his role as Venus and Serena’s father in the movie. Smith cried on stage as he received the award while the sisters applauded in the audience. However, Smith also made the headlines for another reason, as the iconic actor created one of the most shocking moments in the history of the awards show.
Oscars host Chris Rock was on stage and made a ‘GI Jane 2’ joke in reference to Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved hairdo - which is a result of the hair loss condition alopecia. Smith did not take too kindly to it and proceeded to walk on stage and slap the comedian, stunning both Rock and those in attendance.
“Keep my wife’s name out your f*****g mouth!” Smith yelled not once but twice, leaving Rock absolutely stunned as he tried to continue with the ceremony. While accepting his award, Smith apologised for his actions. "I want to apologise to the Academy. I want to apologise to my all my fellow nominees, he said tearfully. "Art imitates life. I look like the crazy father, just like they said about Richard Williams. But love will make you do crazy things."
