Serena Williams Recalls Harrowing Experience of Racism at French Airport During 2018 French Open Trip

Tennis legend Serena Williams has opened up about a deeply painful moment from her past — revealing that she and her sister Venus Williams were subjected to severe racial discrimination at a French airport while traveling to participate in the 2018 French Open.

In a candid conversation during a recent women’s leadership panel in New York, Serena reflected on the incident, describing it as one of the most humiliating experiences of her life off the court. Though she had remained silent about it for years, she now says the moment remains “etched in her memory.”

“We were just two Black women traveling to do our job. We weren’t loud. We weren’t late. We were professional,” Serena said. “But we were treated like criminals.”

According to Serena, she and Venus were pulled aside during a routine security check at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Despite clearing initial screenings and presenting diplomatic documentation related to the tournament, they were allegedly subjected to aggressive questioning, invasive bag searches, and condescending remarks from airport staff.

“They acted like we didn’t belong,” she recalled. “There was no reason. No warning. Just suspicion — for existing in our skin.”

Witnesses from the time reported that while other passengers — including several white athletes on the same flight — passed through customs swiftly, the Williams sisters were delayed for nearly an hour, with staff demanding to recheck their luggage and question their intentions in France.

Though the sisters ultimately made it to the French Open that year, the emotional impact lingered. Serena revealed that the experience made her reconsider traveling alone as a Black woman, even with global fame and success.

“It reminded me that no matter how many titles you win, no matter how respected you are — you’re still not immune to racism.”

At the time, neither the French authorities nor the tournament organizers made any public statements. Serena’s decision to speak out now is being hailed as a powerful reminder of the hidden struggles that Black athletes often endure behind the scenes — even at the pinnacle of their careers.

Social media erupted with support after the story went public, with fans calling for accountability and better training for international security staff. Activists have also pointed out the irony of the incident happening en route to one of the most prestigious tournaments in a country that prides itself on equality and liberty.

“I didn’t speak up then, because I didn’t want to be labeled ‘angry’ or ‘ungrateful,’” Serena told the panel. “But I speak now, because no young Black girl should ever have to feel that powerless in a place where she belongs.”

With this revelation, Serena Williams once again proves that her impact transcends tennis — using her voice to highlight injustice, spark conversation, and push for change.