Serena Williams lauds Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid for their stand on social issues

Former world number one Serena Williams said that every "every athlete, every human" should be grateful for American football players Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid for their stand on racial and social injustice.

"I think every athlete, every human and definitely every African American should be completely grateful and honored how Colin and Eric are doing so much more for the greater good, so to say," she said. "They really use their platform in ways that is really unfathomable."

Colin Kaepernick initiated a protest against New York police brutality. The NFL players took a knee during the national anthem before a game, or stand with arms locked in silent protest.

This bold move started as a result of repeated videos showing police shooting and killing unarmed black men.

Kaepernick and Reid turned out for 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena's US Open showdown with elder sister Venus on Friday night which Serena won comfortably.

However, US President Donald Trump urged the league to suspend or fire players.

Kaepernick has been unable to secure a contract with an NFL club since becoming a free agent in March of 2017.

"I feel like they obviously have great respect from a lot of their peers, especially other athletes, people that really are looking for social change," said Serena Williams.