Serena and Venus have won a combined 30 major singles, something that clearly puts the sisters into the record books as one of (if not, the) most successful families in sport!

And who has been there the entire time? Their tough love, unapologetically black father Richard Williams.

Richard has been their coach since day one and has been very careful to foster hard working girls whilst clearly being on their side, just remember the interview where he tears into a reporter who is pressuring his daughter Venus’ confidence (watch here) as one example!

And now he is being recognized for his hard work.

According to Essence:

Serena and Venus’ father will be inducted into the American Tennis Association’s new Tennis Hall of Fame for his contribution to coaching his famous daughters, who have 30 majors singles titles between them.

His inductions by the ATA, an association dedicated to the African-American tennis community, will signify its 100th anniversary of promoting and supporting black tennis players with a centennial celebration. Williams will be the first inductee of their new hall of fame.

“The ATA has had a rich and colorful history and we will be honoring our past while focusing on the strategic plans for the next 100 years for Black Tennis in America,” said ATA President Willie Emerson. “ This is an exciting year and we have many exciting events planned.”

Read more on Essence here.