A profound silence, heavier than any Grand Slam final, fell over the tennis world and beyond on Thursday as news began to circulate, then crystalize into an unbearable reality.

In a moment of raw, unvarnished grief that transcended her legendary status, former world No.1 Serena Williams, visibly shattered and her eyes red-rimmed with unshed tears, announced the passing of her beloved mother, Oracene Price.

“She was my everything,” Serena’s voice, usually a force of nature, trembled with an unimaginable pain, encapsulating the devastating loss felt not just by her, but by Venus and the entire tight-knit Williams family.

The shock was palpable. Oracene Price, the quiet, ever-present matriarch who had been the spiritual backbone and grounding force behind two of the greatest athletes in history, had reportedly collapsed on Thursday, leaving her family and a global community reeling.

While details remained sparse in the immediate aftermath, the gravity of Serena’s announcement, broadcast to the world with a vulnerability rarely seen from the fiercely private champion, left no doubt about the depth of her sorrow.

For decades, Oracene had been the silent strength in the public eye, often overshadowed by the flamboyant persona of Richard Williams, but revered by those who knew the true architects of the Williams sisters’ unprecedented success.

Oracene Price was far more than just a mother to two iconic athletes; she was their first coach, their spiritual guide, their unwavering confidante, and their rock.

A devout Jehovah’s Witness, she instilled in Serena and Venus not just the fundamentals of tennis, but an unshakeable faith, humility, and an almost superhuman mental fortitude that became their hallmark on the court.

While Richard Williams plotted their unlikely path from the dilapidated courts of Compton to the pinnacle of tennis, Oracene provided the crucial, daily discipline and the emotional resilience that allowed them to navigate the pressures, prejudices, and expectations that came with their extraordinary journey.

Her influence was profound and pervasive. It was Oracene who taught Serena and Venus how to hit with two hands on both sides, a technique that would become a signature of their powerful game.

But her coaching extended beyond technique; she taught them the sanctity of grace, whether in triumph or tribulation. She was the one who ensured they remained grounded, despite their colossal achievements, reminding them of their spiritual values and the importance of family above all else.

Her quiet strength was a formidable presence, often observed in the stands, a serene figure whose eyes missed nothing, her silent support a constant source of power for her daughters.

The bond between Oracene and her daughters was legendary. Serena’s declaration, “She was my everything,” was not mere hyperbole; it was a testament to the profound, multi-faceted role Oracene played in her life.

She was the anchor who kept them tethered to their roots, the source of unconditional love that allowed them to bravely face down every challenge, and the wise counsel whose insights were treasured above all else. In a world often characterized by fleeting fame and shifting loyalties, Oracene Price represented an unchanging constant, a beacon of stability and steadfast love.

As the news spread, an immediate and unprecedented outpouring of condolences began to flood social media and news channels. From fellow tennis legends and current players to sports organizations, celebrities, and millions of fans across the globe, messages of sympathy and support for the Williams family poured in.

Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Andy Roddick, and countless others expressed their sorrow, sharing stories of Oracene’s quiet kindness and immense influence.

The collective sorrow was a testament to the respect and admiration Oracene had garnered throughout her life, not for her daughters’ fame, but for her own quiet dignity and monumental contribution to their lives.

For Venus Williams, the grief will be equally shattering. The sisters, who have navigated life’s highs and lows as an inseparable duo, now face the profound challenge of mourning the woman who shaped them both so intimately.

Oracene was the glue that held their extraordinary family together, a fortress built on love and unwavering belief. Her wisdom, her calming presence, and her steadfast faith were the unseen forces that propelled the Williams sisters to shatter records, break barriers, and redefine what was possible in women’s sports.

Oracene Price’s legacy extends far beyond the Grand Slam trophies and Olympic medals her daughters collected. Her legacy is etched in the character of Serena and Venus: their resilience, their unyielding spirit, their commitment to family, and their deep-seated faith.

It is in the countless lives they have inspired, knowing that behind their athletic prowess stood a mother who prioritized substance over flash, and who understood that true greatness stemmed from within.

Her passing marks the end of an era, a deeply personal loss for the family, and a poignant moment for everyone who has ever been moved by the Williams sisters’ incredible story.

In the coming days, as the family grieves in private, the world will reflect on the remarkable life of Oracene Price. She may not have sought the spotlight, but her impact was undeniably immense, shaping two titans of sport and, through them, influencing generations.

Her memory will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light, a reminder of the quiet strength that can move mountains, and the immeasurable power of a mother’s love.

The tennis world, indeed the entire sporting universe, stands in solemn remembrance, extending its deepest condolences to the Williams family during this incredibly difficult time, honoring the woman who truly was “everything.”