Serena and Venus Williams: Motivated and Determined

I feel that everyone is born with a natural process that, when activated, provides the necessary motivation for the determination to be successful at whatever goal is set.

Your next question probably relates to defining the "triggering mechanism" for that "natural process." To be honest, I don't feel that it's a one size fits all. Just as we were created so individually and unique (identical twins are not 100 percent identical), I feel that the "mechanism" is just as unique. It is defined and determined by the individual.

When you look back at the lives of Serena and Venus Williams, you cannot help but be amazed at how two young African-American girls growing up in Compton, CA, have taken the world by storm in the sport of tennis. I say that because when you couple the environment (guns, violence, drugs, etc.) of their childhood with the fact that tennis has really never been a sport equated to African-Americans (yes, there have been and are awesome African-Americans in tennis), most statisticians would immediately say that they were behind before they even began.

But, defying all odds, the Williams sisters have risen to the top of the tennis world. When the announcers say their names, something special occurs that takes the tennis world by storm like never before.

When I think of defining their triggering mechanism, I would have to say it was Mr. Richard Williams—their father. I want to add the fact that their mother also played an instrumental role, but one that was not as visible in the public eye as their father's was.

If you ever listen to stories and conversations about where they came from, you will always here their father speak of what I refer to as motivating factors—guns, violence, and poverty—that made him determined to envision greatness for his daughters beyond their immediate circumstances.

Now, there are those who will agree with his methods and those who will not agree. However, I was always taught to not judge others. No one was walking in his shoes. And as the old saying goes (paraphrased that is), "You don't know anything about a person, unless you walk a day in his/her shoes."

Mr. and Mrs. Williams succeeded in a major way. I feel that their actions led to the ignition of an inner passion within their daughters. This inner passion reminds them every day that they are as good, if not better, than anyone else and they can accomplish anything as long as they stay focused, motivated, and determined.

You can see that they have been taught that, even when you're facing tremendous obstacles and the world has counted you out, you don't just give into it and give up. You fight because you can overcome and make an even greater comeback. I really admire that through everything—good and bad—they have remained a very strong and close-knit family with a central motto.

What better place to discuss that inner passion than the 2009 Australian Open. The media was buzzing during the quarterfinals about the heat, the closing of the roof at Rod Laver Arena, and Serena's win.

Now, let's have a reality check. The reason that Serena won was the same reason as to why she always wins—she's an exceptionally skilled, and gifted athlete—plain and simple. Speaking of passion, she did not let "the talk" rattle her.

Despite being sleepy, I had to watch Serena's semifinal match against Elena Dementieva. I just had to see her do what she does best—play great tennis.

Now, in the first set, you could see Serena struggle. To be honest, she had a rough time, but she hung in there and won. The second set was different.

As things moved forward, Serena once again had some tough moments—failing to capitalize on break points, a fall, and unforced errors. But, deep down inside, I think that same motivation and determination that she and Venus have always relied upon was suddenly ignited.

I think Serena thought about the fact that this was the same Elena that had beaten her in the semifinals at the WTA Medibank International. I think she thought about the fact that she was not only doing this for herself, but she was also representing her sister who left the tournament prematurely due to a loss. The love, support, and respect that these sisters have for each other is simply extraordinary.

I think she thought about the hard work that her father had put in to train and support them on this journey. And finally, I think she thought about the awesome athlete that she is and decided to, as usual, show the world. And as usual, she did just that.

Serena won the match. The Williams sisters also won their eighth Grand Slam women's doubles title, defeating the team of Daniela Hantuchova and Ai Sugiyama.

So, going into the finals, I believe that Serena, as always, will remember all of her motivating factors that have made her determined to play her best in her quest for another Grand Slam.

Serena, currently ranked No. 2 will face Dinara Safina who is currently ranked No. 3.

My prediction, of course, is Serena wins!