Williams backs Nike over controversial new advert

SERENA WILLIAMS interrupted her US Open campaign to step into the controversy involving American footballer Colin Kaepernick and his role in a new Nike promotion campaign. The 36-year-old American, a highprofile client of the clothing giant herself, backed their decision to feature the athlete who has led national anthem protests and is consequently without a team. ‘He’s done a lot for the AfricanAmerican community, and it’s cost him a lot,’ said Williams (below), who tonight faces Latvian outsider Anastasija Sevastova in a bid to make the final. ‘Having a huge company back him could be a controversial reason for this company, but they’re not afraid. I feel like that was a really powerful statement to a lot of other companies.’ Williams’ victory over Karolina Pliskova in straight sets was her first against a top-10 player since giving birth to her daughter. ‘Now I feel like I’m at a level where I can compete against these amazing women in the top 10,’ she said.