The 9th of November, 2016, saw Republican candidate Donald J. Trump become the 45th President of the United States with an upset over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
Former World No. 1 Serena Williams , who is currently based out of Florida, a hub for tennis in the United States of America, has been closely involved with the tennis scene in the state, where Trump owns a significant amount of real estate. As a result, the pair have met on multiple occasions
Last year, Trump inaugurated a new tennis facility at the Trump Inc. owned Trump National Golf Club in Stirling, Virginia, and invited Serena Williams, considered one of the greatest players in the history of tennis and by far the most decorated, to officialy open the event.
Trump started off events by volleying with the then top-ranked player, who this year matched the Open Era record of 22 Grand Slam titles held by Steffi Graf; the 34-year-old American recently dropped to No. 2 after a number of injuries sidelined the latter part of her season, with Angelique Kerber taking over as the new World No. 1.
Ahead of the Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro this year, Williams was asked which candidate she would vote for, but declined to clarify, only implying that she would not be voting. She did, however, imply whom she might have endorsed. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times at the time, Williams said “I don’t involve myself in politics, but I believe we should pass the message of love, as opposed to hate.”
A devout Jehovah’s Witness, Williams has stated it is against her faith to vote, but thoroughly implied that given the opportunity, she would not vote for Trump.
The two exchanged volleys at the Trump Golf Course in Virginia, with Trump managing to connect a few shots against the ace.
On the 9th of November 2016, Trump defeated Clinton by 276 votes to the Democratic nominee’s 2018 to stage a significant upset; he will be supported by running mate Michael Pence.
Although Williams has not responded to the election results, vocal political campaigner Martina Navratilova has expressed her anger on social media, while French ace Julien Benneteau has tweeted his ‘utter incredulity’ at the result.
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