Serena Williams says the “negativity” directed at Kaitlyn Clark comes from people who can’t do what she does, and the tennis legend also urged Clark to keep doing what she’s doing.
Williams’ documentary series, “In the Arena: Serena Williams,” premiered at the TriBeCa Film Festival in New York City this week. Speaking to reporters at the festival, Williams was asked what advice she had for Kaitlyn Clark, especially in dealing with the negativity and bullying she’s encountered within the league.
“I really love that she tries to keep her feet on the ground and doesn’t look at social media. [media]Williams Said “I know. I don’t know. And I think it’s really important that she keeps doing what she’s doing,” she said, according to the Associated Press.
Williams added, “And no matter what other people do, if it’s negative, it’s basically because they can’t do what you can do. And I hope she continues to do what she’s doing.”
“People are negative because they can’t do things like you”
– Serena Williams praises Caitlin Clark in an interview#WNBA pic.twitter.com/eIyhPtJKOF— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) June 14, 2024
Williams isn’t the only player to highlight the jealousy element when it comes to Clark’s on-court treatment. Earlier this week, Shaquille O’Neal said on a podcast that his rough treatment of Clark stemmed from “professional jealousy.”
Clark has been on the receiving end of some brutal treatment from veteran WNBA players this year, most notably two weeks ago when Chicago Sky player Chennedy Carter hit her hard in the side and knocked her to the floor.
Chennedy Carter bumped into Caitlin Clark and committed a foul that took her out of the play.
“That’s not a basketball play,” Clark said on ESPN’s broadcast. pic.twitter.com/udTMmWFVyn
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) June 1, 2024
Clark and the Indiana Fever are scheduled to play a rematch against Chennedy Carter and the Chicago Sky on Sunday afternoon.
Clark is averaging 15.6 points and six assists per game this season.
