"Hopefully she'll continue to do what she's doing": Serena Williams has some words of wisdom for young women's basketball sensation Caitlin Clark

Former world number one Serena Williams has backed the young women’s basketball sensation Caitlin Clark in dealing with criticism.

The 22-year-old is already regarded as the one for the future after showcasing her talent in college basketball.

Even though she has already been tipped for greatness, the youngster has also received criticism from different quarters for not living up to expectations in big matches.

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Serena, often regarded as the greatest player in the history of women’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era, was recently quoted in a report where she backed Clark to overcome such critics.

Serena believed that if people criticise a player of Clarke’s ability, she must be doing something right.

“I was bullied. Things I had to go through, now, people would be canceled for saying back then,” she said. “I just love that she tries to stay grounded and that she doesn't look at her social. I get it. I don't either.

"And I think it's so important to continue doing what she's doing… And no matter what other people do, if people are negative then it's because they can't do what you do… basically. And hopefully she'll continue to do what she's doing.”

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Serena retired from professional sport in 2022 after struggling with form and fitness towards the end of her career. She ended up winning 73 titles in her career, the fifth-most in women’s tennis history. She is only behind Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf and Margaret Court in that list.

Not only that, but Serena also became only the second player in the history of women’s tennis to complete a Career Golden Slam after Graf.

She won all the major titles in women’s tennis, and in 2012, she also won an Olympic gold medal for her country after beating Russia’s Maria Sharapova in the final in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1.