"I admire Steffi Graf more": Throwback to when Venus and Serena Williams' father revealed surprise "favorite player"

In what may come as a surprise to many, Richard Williams, father and early coach of WTA megastars Serena Williams and Venus Williams, admitted he once admired Steffi Graf over his own daughters.

Richard Williams had always supported his daughters goals to be the best tennis players in the world, and was extremely proud of their success. However, he faced some internal conflict when 19-year old Venus defeated Graf in the semifinals of the 1999 Lipton Championships in Miami.

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Graf was his favorite player on tour at the time, says Richard Williams

"Actually, Steffi Graf is my favorite player on the Tour, and Venus and Serena would be my second and third." he admitted at the time. "I admire Steffi Graf more than any player."

The former coach elaborated on his statement, saying Graf carried the WTA tour during that period. Although he admitted he wanted Venus to defeat Graf, he did say he also supported the German during their encounter.

"The reason I admire Steffi Graf so much, when other players was not there, Steffi Graf was there," said Richard Williams. "Steffi Graf, as far as I'm concerned, took the WTA, the Tour, and everyone else on her shoulder and did a marvelous job.

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"I wanted to see my daughter beat Steffi Graf, but I guess I was hoping Steffi would win, too. But in reality, I really wanted to see Venus win. Steffi Graf is my favorite player."