Serena Williams, Alcaraz fan, ready to receive Princess of Asturias Award 2025

Oviedo, Spain – Iconic American tennis player Serena Williams was warmly welcomed this Thursday in Oviedo, where she will receive the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports 2025 tomorrow. This recognition celebrates your exceptional professional career and your firm commitment to gender equality.

Admiration for Carlos Alcaraz

During a press conference held at the Hotel de la Reconquista, Williams expressed his admiration for the Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz, whom he described as “a young player with a bright future”.

I’m a huge fan of Carlos. When he plays, I call him and say: ‘How well, I was cheering for you!’

Serena Williams

The former world number one showed herself convinced that the young man from Murcia has the potential to surpass the achievements of legends like Djokovic, Nadal and Federer.

A legacy of successes and commitment

With an impressive record that includes 23 Grand Slam titles, 73 singles tournaments, and 4 Olympic gold medals, Serena Williams is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Retired since 2022, Williams highlighted the influence of her father and coach, Richard Williams, on her career, attributing to him the discipline that drove her. Furthermore, she highlighted how tennis allowed her to “learn, grow, and build a legacy of equality”.

I’ve always cared a lot about the legacy I leave

Serena Williams

The champion underscored her dedication to equal pay between men and women and her desire to inspire new generations of athletes. The winner of the Princess of Asturias Award was visibly moved by the recognition. I am impressed and honored. When I found out, I couldn’t believe it. I thought: Am I the winner? Williams also expressed his enjoyment of his stay in Spain, praising its culture and gastronomy. This afternoon, Williams will participate in the event “Serena, legacy and legend”, which will be moderated by Olympic champion Theresa Zabell and former tennis player Feliciano López, members of the award jury. The Princess of Asturias Award for Sports will be presented tomorrow at the Campoamor Theater in Oviedo by Princess Leonor, in a ceremony presided over by the King and Queen of Spain.