Richard Williams: A Father’s Legacy, Tennis Icon Builder, and Complex Personal Life.

Richard Williams, a pivotal figure in the world of tennis, is best known for his role in shaping the careers of his daughters, Venus and Serena Williams. As their first coach, he dedicated years to nurturing their skills, transforming them into international tennis legends.

Now 82, Richard faces new challenges: he is raising his 11-year-old son, Dylan Star Williams, as a single parent, with limited support from his estranged second wife, Lakeisha Graham.

In a recent interview, Richard’s older son, Chavo Williams, provided insight into his father’s current life, shedding light on family dynamics and the struggles he faces with Lakeisha. According to Chavo, Lakeisha, who shares a son with Richard, has not taken an active role in raising Dylan.

He described her relationship with Richard as strained and pointed to issues of financial strain and exploitation. “She’s barely around to help with my little brother,” he said, noting that her involvement mainly revolves around requesting financial assistance from Richard. This lack of support has left Richard with full responsibility for Dylan, from schooling to daily care.

A Complicated Divorce and Legal Battle

Richard Williams’s marriage to Lakeisha began in 2010, years after he and his first wife, Oracene Price, divorced. However, the relationship took a rocky turn in 2017 when Richard filed for divorce, accusing Lakeisha of forging his signature to transfer the ownership of their shared home into her name.

This incident, combined with alleged financial mismanagement, led to an intense legal dispute between the couple. Due to Richard’s health issues, including speech impairments from multiple strokes, he has faced challenges navigating the court process.

His absence from recent court dates resulted in the temporary dismissal of the divorce filing, but the case may resume if both parties decide to move forward.

Chavo explained that his father’s reluctance to appear in court stems from his fear of legal proceedings due to his health issues. “He’s afraid of being misrepresented or misunderstood,” Chavo noted, highlighting the impact Richard’s health has had on his ability to manage his own affairs.

Despite these challenges, Richard continues to provide for Dylan single-handedly, a task he embraces with the same dedication he once showed toward Venus and Serena.

Richard’s Dedication as a Father and Coach

Richard’s commitment to his children has been a defining characteristic of his life. His approach to parenting, marked by determination and discipline, became the foundation for Venus and Serena’s success.

Richard and Oracene met in the early 1980s and married shortly thereafter. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey to introduce their daughters to tennis, a sport dominated by white athletes and often unwelcoming to players of color.

To prepare for his daughters’ training, Richard immersed himself in the sport, reading tennis books and watching instructional videos. He began by practicing his own skills, eventually teaching Oracene so she could help train their daughters.

Richard had a clear vision for Venus and Serena, firmly believing they would become champions. “I never doubted,” Oracene recalled in a 2021 interview. “We had a goal. It wasn’t about money but a way of life we wanted for the girls.”

In their early years, Richard shielded Venus and Serena from criticism and racial biases. He chose to train them himself, moving the family from Compton, California, to West Palm Beach, Florida, to give them better opportunities.

His unyielding support helped them rise to prominence, and their story was famously depicted in the 2021 film *King Richard*, starring Will Smith. The film highlights Richard’s relentless focus on his daughters’ futures, depicting how he navigated challenges and refused to let setbacks deter their path to success.

A Family History Marked by Commitment and Sacrifice

Beyond his relationship with Oracene, Richard’s life is a tapestry of complex family dynamics and personal sacrifices. Before meeting Oracene, he was married to Betty Johnson, with whom he had five children.

Following their divorce in 1973, Richard met Oracene at a bus stop in Los Angeles, where he immediately expressed his desire to marry her and have children together. They married in 1980, blending their families and embarking on their unique journey in tennis.

The couple’s dedication to Venus and Serena went beyond the tennis court. Richard left his day job to coach them full-time, while Oracene became the household’s primary breadwinner, supporting seven people.

“My mom had to work incredibly hard to keep us going,” Serena said in a 2021 interview. “Without her, none of this would have been possible.”

Over the years, Venus and Serena have publicly credited their parents for their achievements. In 2022, after her final career match, Serena reflected on her parents’ contributions, saying, “It all started with my parents.

They deserve everything.” Venus has also expressed gratitude, posting in 2013, “Thanks, Dad, for giving Serena and me a dream. You truly changed the game.”

Richard and Lakeisha’s Strained Relationship

While Richard’s first marriage to Oracene ended amicably, his second marriage has been fraught with difficulties. His son Chavo has suggested that Lakeisha’s actions have caused significant strain on the family.

Chavo also revealed his intention to potentially sue Lakeisha for exploiting his father, although it remains unclear if Richard himself plans to pursue legal action. The Jasmine Brand reported that, despite the difficulties, Richard has thus far refrained from legal retaliation.

Richard’s relationship with Lakeisha represents a stark contrast to his bond with Oracene, who played an instrumental role in shaping their daughters’ tennis careers.

While Oracene was deeply involved in their training and served as a support system for the family, Lakeisha’s relationship with Richard has been characterized by alleged financial disputes and a lack of involvement in Dylan’s upbringing.

A Lifetime of Influence and a Legacy of Resilience

Today, Richard Williams continues to live a quieter life, though he is occasionally seen at Venus and Serena’s matches. His legacy, however, remains vivid and influential, embodying the power of family, perseverance, and faith in one’s dreams.

As Venus and Serena continue to inspire future generations, their father’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that underpin their achievements.

Richard’s journey from Shreveport, Louisiana, to the international tennis spotlight is one of resilience, overcoming racial barriers, and redefining success. In doing so, he not only shaped the careers of two of the greatest athletes in history but also set a new standard for dedication in the face of adversity.

While his family’s dynamics remain complex, his influence on Venus and Serena’s lives—and on the sport of tennis as a whole—is undeniable.

As Richard continues to care for his son Dylan, his story comes full circle, reflecting his enduring commitment to family. This dedication has defined his life, making him not only a pivotal figure in tennis but also a father whose sacrifices continue to resonate across generations.

Venus and Serena’s success is, in many ways, a testament to Richard’s vision, drive, and unwavering belief in his family—a legacy that will endure for years to come.