Former world No. 1 Venus Williams attended Louis Vuitton's Virgil Abloh tribute show and used the opportunity to urge her fans to take their health and wellness seriously. On Sunday Abloh passed away battling cancer in private for years.
Abloh was a highly-popular and respected designer and entrepreneur, who worked as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collection from 2018. Also, Abloh was the CEO of the Off-White label. Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, was one of Abloh's biggest fans.
"This is an opportunity to celebrate Virgil's life and an opportunity for us to take our health and wellness more seriously because we are fortunate enough to be able to control it," Williams said said in a video posted on Instagram, as quoted on TENNIS magazine.
"Just praying for Virgil and his family."
French tennis star Monfils said he was devastated after the passing of Abloh. "I’m so devastated by the news and still can’t believe it," Monfils admitted in a Twitter post.
"I had the privilege to talk with you during those years and you were a true inspiration for me. Only few months ago you gave us the honor to design Elina wedding dress. I’m forever grateful for our connection."
Auger-Aliassime, who made his maiden Grand Slam semifinal, had nothing but love and great respect for the late Abloh. "I was lucky enough to meet you once, and I can truly say that your energy, kindness and generosity was a light to be around.
Let’s remember to enjoy all the little things of life and cherish the moments we spend with our loved ones," Auger-Aliassime tweeted. "Sending my deepest love, strength and condolences to all of his family and friends.
Keep being that light Virgil. Rest In Peace. The legacy you built will live on forever."
