‘Value Them More’ — Naomi Osaka’s Powerful Message on Williams Sisters as Gauff Reacts to Venus

The tennis world stood still for a moment this week as Naomi Osaka delivered a moving tribute to Venus and Serena Williams, reminding fans, media, and the sport itself that the impact of the Williams sisters goes far beyond trophies and titles. At the same time, Coco Gauff shared her emotional reaction to Venus Williams’ return to tennis at age 45, proving that the sisters’ legacy continues to inspire the next generation.

Naomi Speaks: “We Need to Value Them More”

Naomi Osaka, herself a four-time Grand Slam champion and trailblazer in her own right, took to social media and later echoed her sentiments in a press conference after her latest match. Her message was clear and powerful:

“I don’t think people truly understand what Venus and Serena have done for this sport—especially for Black women, for young girls, for tennis as a whole. They weren’t just champions. They changed everything. We need to value them more—now, not just when they retire or years down the line.”

Osaka, who has always been vocal about representation, mental health, and equality in sports, emphasized that the Williams sisters opened doors that once seemed permanently shut. “I don’t even know if I’d be here without them,” she added.

Venus Returns — And Coco Reacts

Venus Williams recently shocked fans by announcing her return to the pro tour at age 45, defying both time and expectations. While many questioned her decision to continue competing despite injuries and age, others—including Gauff and Osaka—rushed to support her.

Coco Gauff, now one of the sport’s biggest stars and a symbol of the new era Venus helped create, responded with heartfelt admiration:

“Venus is still teaching us all how to show up with grace, fire, and fearlessness. I’m constantly learning just by watching her. Her comeback isn’t just about tennis—it’s about resilience and love for the game.”

Gauff, who famously defeated Venus at Wimbledon in 2019, has always maintained deep respect for the icon she once idolized. This week, she reposted a clip of Venus practicing with the caption: “Legend. Always.”

A Legacy That Still Lives

While Serena Williams has officially stepped away from competition, her influence remains ever-present. Naomi and Coco both credit the Williams sisters not only for inspiring their careers but also for shifting the sport’s culture toward inclusion, boldness, and ownership of one’s narrative.

“They weren’t just great athletes,” Osaka noted. “They showed us how to be in this space. That it’s okay to speak out. To stand up. To be unapologetically yourself.”

More Than Just a Tribute

With Venus’s return drawing headlines and Osaka’s message resonating across social media, the takeaway is clear: the Williams sisters may no longer dominate the rankings, but they still dominate the conversation—and their legacy continues to guide the women who are rising in their footsteps.

As Osaka concluded in her message:

“They deserve flowers now. Let’s not wait.”