THE SCOOP: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29

Williams parents divorce finalized

By Sandra Harwitt
tennisreporters.net

Close to two years after Richard and Oracene Williams separated, the parents of sensational tennis siblings Venus and Serena have divorced. The divorce decree – terms of the no-fault divorce will not be released – came down in the Palm Beach courthouse on Tuesday.

Both parents are listed by their daughters as their coaches of record and this arrangement is not expected to change in light of the divorce. Since word came out that Richard and Oracene separated, amidst rumors of spousal abuse reports against Richard Williams, it is more often than not that only one parent travels with the sisters. However, at tournaments such as the recent US Open and the Nasdaq-100 Open in Miami, which is located only one hour from the Palm Beach homes of Williams family members, both parents are usually on-site and appear to interact in an amicable way.

"I was very honest with our children that a reconciliation would not happen," said Oracene Williams, in a statement reported by The Associated Press. "They've accepted our divorce and love us, as we both love them. Richard and I will continue to work together for the good of our girls, and I truly wish him well."

The couple were married in 1980 and have three other daughters, all older than Venus and Serena.

The Williams parents followed an unorthodox approach to raising tennis champions, promoting the value of pursuing education and eschewing the traditional junior circuit circus. While many tennis pundits initially criticized the idea of skipping the junior tournaments, the theory can no longer be questioned since both Venus, 22, and Serena, 21, have each occupied the world No. 1 ranking and have each won four Grand Slam trophies.

Serena Williams is currently the top-rated player in the game, courtesy of winning the Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open this year.