Serena Williams is an American former professional tennis player, widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, four Olympic gold medals, and a career spanning over two decades, she has dominated the sport with her powerful gameplay and relentless determination. Beyond tennis, she is a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for gender and racial equality.
Early Life and Education
Serena Jameka Williams was born on September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, USA. She is the youngest of five daughters of Richard Williams and Oracene Price. While she was born in Michigan, her family moved to Compton, California, when she was very young. Growing up in Compton, Serena and her older sister Venus Williams were introduced to tennis at an early age by their father, Richard, who coached them with limited formal training.
Despite the challenges of training on public courts in a tough neighborhood, Serena quickly showed immense potential. Richard Williams had a strategic plan for his daughters’ careers, studying instructional books and videos to coach them. Recognizing their talent, the family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, in the early 1990s, where Serena and Venus trained under professional coach Rick Macci.
Serena was homeschooled to accommodate her rigorous tennis training schedule, allowing her to focus on her athletic career while also receiving an education. She later attended The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, where she studied fashion design, reflecting her interests beyond sports.
Personal Life
Serena Williams has led an eventful and inspiring personal life. She is known for her strong personality, resilience, and dedication, both on and off the court. Beyond tennis, she has ventured into business, philanthropy, and fashion.
In 2017, Serena married Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit. Their relationship attracted significant media attention, and they have since been known as one of the most influential power couples. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., in September 2017. Serena has spoken openly about the complications she faced during childbirth and the challenges of balancing motherhood with her professional career.
Serena is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various causes, including education, gender equality, and racial justice. She established the Serena Williams Fund, which focuses on promoting equity in education and helping communities affected by violence.
Family
Serena Williams comes from a close-knit family, which played a crucial role in shaping her career and personal values. Her parents, Richard Williams and Oracene Price, were instrumental in coaching and mentoring her and Venus from an early age. Her father, Richard, is credited with having a visionary approach to their careers, while her mother, Oracene, provided unwavering emotional support and also contributed to their training.
Serena has four sisters: Venus, Yetunde, Lyndrea, and Isha Price. Venus, her elder sister, has been her most significant competitor and doubles partner, with whom she has won numerous Grand Slam doubles titles. The two sisters share an extraordinary bond and have inspired generations of athletes.
Tragically, in 2003, Serena’s half-sister Yetunde Price was killed in a drive-by shooting in Compton. This devastating loss deeply affected Serena and her family, strengthening her resolve to advocate against violence and support underprivileged communities.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Serena Jameka Williams |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 1981 |
| Birthplace | Saginaw, Michigan, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Parents | Richard Williams (Father), Oracene Price (Mother) |
| Siblings | Venus Williams (sister) and others |
| Profession | Former Professional Tennis Player, Entrepreneur |
| Grand Slam Titles | 23 (Singles), 14 (Doubles) |
| Olympic Medals | 4 (Gold) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $290 million |
| Marital Status | Married to Alexis Ohanian |
| Children | Olympia Ohanian, Adira River Ohanian |
Career
Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history. Her career, spanning over two decades, has been marked by record-breaking achievements, dominance in the sport, and a lasting impact on tennis.
Early Professional Career
Serena turned professional in 1995 at the age of 14. In 1999, she won her first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open, defeating Martina Hingis. This victory established her as a formidable force in women’s tennis.
Dominance in the 2000s
The early 2000s saw Serena ascend to the top of the sport. In 2002 and 2003, she won four consecutive Grand Slam titles—the French Open, Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open—achieving what became known as the “Serena Slam.” She repeated this feat in 2014-2015, winning four consecutive Grand Slams across two seasons.
During this period, Serena also excelled in doubles, partnering with Venus to win multiple Grand Slam doubles titles and Olympic gold medals in 2000, 2008, and 2012.
Comebacks and Continued Success
Despite injuries and challenges, Serena continued to dominate well into the 2010s. She won the Australian Open in 2017 while pregnant with her daughter, an achievement that highlighted her extraordinary resilience and athleticism.
Following her return to tennis after giving birth, Serena reached multiple Grand Slam finals, including at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2018 and 2019. Although she fell short of securing additional major titles, her presence remained influential.
Recent Matches of Serena Williams
| Date | Tournament | Round | Opponent | Result | Score | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29, 2022 | US Open | 1st Round | Danka Kovinić | Win | 6–3, 6–3 | Hard |
| Aug 31, 2022 | US Open | 2nd Round | Anett Kontaveit | Win | 7–6(4), 2–6, 6–2 | Hard |
| Sep 2, 2022 | US Open | 3rd Round | Ajla Tomljanović | Loss | 5–7, 7–6(4), 1–6 | Hard |
| Aug 10, 2022 | Canadian Open | 2nd Round | Belinda Bencic | Loss | 2–6, 4–6 | Hard |
| Aug 2, 2022 | Cincinnati Open | 1st Round | Emma Raducanu | Loss | 4–6, 0–6 | Hard |
Popular & Legendary Matches of Serena Williams
| Year | Tournament | Round | Opponent | Result | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | US Open | Final | Martina Hingis | Win | 6–3, 7–6(4) | First Grand Slam title |
| 2002 | Wimbledon | Final | Venus Williams | Win | 7–6(4), 6–3 | First Wimbledon title, start of dominance |
| 2003 | Australian Open | Final | Venus Williams | Win | 7–6(4), 3–6, 6–4 | Completed first “Serena Slam” |
| 2012 | Olympics | Final | Maria Sharapova | Win | 6–0, 6–1 | Won Olympic Gold Medal |
| 2015 | US Open | Semifinal | Roberta Vinci | Loss | 6–2, 4–6, 4–6 | Shock loss, denied calendar-year Grand Slam |
| 2017 | Australian Open | Final | Venus Williams | Win | 6–4, 6–4 | Won while pregnant |
Serena Williams’ Career Stats and Achievements
| Category | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total Career Matches | 1,014 |
| Singles Titles | 73 |
| Grand Slam Titles | 23 |
| Wimbledon Titles | 7 |
| US Open Titles | 6 |
| Australian Open Titles | 7 |
| French Open Titles | 3 |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 4 |
| Weeks as World No. 1 | 319 |
| Prize Money Earned | $94.8M |
Latest News on Serena Williams (2025)
As of 2025, Serena Williams remains a global icon, even after retiring from professional tennis. Recently, she made headlines for launching a new sports academy aimed at empowering young female athletes. Her initiative, in collaboration with major sports brands, seeks to provide coaching, financial aid, and mentorship to the next generation of women in sports. Fans and fellow athletes have praised her commitment to the development of future talent, further cementing her legacy as a role model beyond tennis.
Height and Physical Appearance
Serena Williams stands 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and has a muscular, athletic build that contributes to her dominance on the tennis court. Her powerful physique, combined with agility and endurance, has been a key factor in her success. She is known for her striking on-court presence, distinctive outfits, and confident demeanor.
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Official Link |
| @serenawilliams | |
| @serenawilliams | |
| Serena Williams | |
| Website | serenawilliams.com |
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Serena Williams has an estimated net worth of $290 million. Her wealth comes not only from her prize money earnings but also from lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Gatorade, Wilson, and Audemars Piguet. Additionally, she has ventured into business, investing in various startups, and has her own fashion line, S by Serena.
People Also Ask
What did Serena Williams get diagnosed with?
She was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism in 2011 and experienced postpartum complications in 2017.
Who is better, Serena or Venus?
Serena is generally considered better, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles compared to Venus’ 7 and a stronger head-to-head record.
What is Serena Williams most famous for?
She is famous for being one of the greatest tennis players ever, winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles and influencing sports and fashion.
What is Serena Williams’ height and weight?
She is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs around 155 lbs (70 kg).
