Nephew of Serena and Venus Williams commits suicide at age 21

Some tragic news hit the tennis circuit as it was disclosed that Alphonse Williams, the nephew of tennis legends Serena Williams and Venus Williams, committed suicide at the age of 21 following a diagnosis of Peyronie's disease.

Alphonse was the youngest son of Sabrina, who is Serena and Venus' half-sister from their father Richard Williams' first marriage. The young man was diagnosed with the disease a few years back and subsequently attempted suicide two-and-a-half years ago.

"When my son attempted [to end] his life two and a half years ago, I asked God, save his life and give me a little bit more time, please," Sabrina told The Sun. “And God answered my prayers, he did. He gave me two and a half years more than I expected. I knew he was on loan and God called in that loan”.

Sabrina revealed Alphonse had a difficult time after the diagnosis, which led to him developing some mental health issues.

"He was crying last Monday, hysterical crying," Sabrina said. "The week before, the doctor confirmed what he already knew, that he had Peyronie’s. He had started back at high school. He was going into his fourth semester of computer engineering and was regularly seeing a councilor.

"I'm not denying that he died with mental health problems, but I truly believe that if my son got some help, somebody was able to talk to him, I think he would still be here.

"You need to speak to someone. Mental health is a disease, but I want to tell other people: ‘You can get through this.’”