Serena Williams Biography
Birthday: September 26, 1981
Nationality: American
Famous: Quotes By Serena Williams Black Women
Also Known As: Serena Jameka Williams
Sun Sign: Libra
Age: 36 Years
Born In: Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.A
Famous As: Tennis Player
Height: 1.75 M
Spouse/Ex-: Alexis Ohanian
Father: Richard Williams
Mother: Oracene Price
Siblings: Isha Price, Lyndrea Price, Venus Williams, Yetunde Price
Children: Alexis Olympia Ohanian, Jr (Daughter)
Religion: Jehovah’s Witness
Grouping Of People: Black Photographers
City, States, Provinces & Districts: Michigan
Founder/Co-Founder: Aneres
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Who is Serena Williams?
Serena Williams is an African American born an all-time greatest women’s tennis player. This is her biography that tells you everything you didn’t know about her childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about her.
More About Serena Williams
Serena Williams is one of the most renowned and established names in the world tennis circle. Immensely talented and skilled player, she throws away a power packed performance every time she is in the tennis court and leaves her opponents spell bounded.
In her career spanning two and a half decades, she first gained the world no 1 ranking in 2002 and later regained the same on five more occasions. In her career so far, she has won 39 Grand Slam titles: 23 in singles, 14 in women’s doubles, and 2 in mixed doubles. In 2002-03 and 2014—15, she achieved the rare feat of holding all the four Grand Slam titles simultaneously.
What gives her the edge over other players of her generation is her fastest power-packed serve, followed by forceful groundstrokes from both her forehand and backhand swings and aggressive high playing style.
She is also known for her mental toughness and her ability to strike back when the chips are down. The Williams sisters have changed the face of women’s tennis with their power play and athleticism. By the dint of her sheer achievements, Serena Williams is considered among the all-time great women tennis players.
Serena Williams’ Net Worth
After winning her 23rd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, in June 2017 Forbes magazine put Serena Williams’ net worth at $27 million. Her career $84 million in prize winnings is almost $50 million more than any other women’s tennis player. She also has over a dozen endorsements including Intel, Tempur-Pedic, Nike, Beats By Dre, Gatorade and JP Morgan Chase.
see also: Roger Federer Untold Stories and Net Worth
Serena Williams Childhood & Early Life
Serena Williams was born on 26 September 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Richard Williams and Oracene Price. She was the youngest among the five siblings, all sisters. She had three half-sisters Yetunde, Lyndrea, and Isha Price from her mother’s side and one full-sister Venus Williams.
A prodigious child, young Williams took to playing tennis at the age of four along with her sister Venus Williams. Soon thereafter, they attended the tennis academy of Rick Macci, who polished their in-born skills and talent.
Before Superstardom, Williams Sisters Stunned On Compton’s Courts
By 1991, she had scored 46-3 on the United States Tennis Association Junior Tour and ranked first in the 10-and-under division. The family moved to Florida. However, her father pulled the sisters out of playing tennis, with a view that the demanding schedule may burn them out too quickly.
The Williams Sisters
Serena and her older sister Venus Williams (born 1980) were groomed for a tennis career from the age of three years old by their father. With their signature style and play, Venus and Serena changed the look of their sport. Their sheer power and athletic ability overwhelmed opponents, and their sense of style and presence made them standout celebrities on the court.
The close-knit sisters lived together for more than a dozen years in a gated Palm Beach Gardens enclave in Florida, but they went their separate ways after Serena bought a mansion in nearby Jupiter in December 2013.
In 1999, Serena beat out her sister Venus in their race to the family’s first Grand Slam win when she captured the U.S. Open title. It set the stage for a run of high-powered, high-profile victories for both Williams sisters.
In 2008, Serena and Venus teamed up to capture a second women’s doubles Olympic gold medal at the Beijing Games. The next year, Serena and Venus purchased shares of the Miami Dolphins to become the first African American women to own part of an NFL team.
see also : Venus Williams Childhood Biography, Family History & Facts
Serena Williams Education
By 1993 the girls had left school, opting to continue their education at home and spend as much time as possible honing their tennis skills. Later they both returned to a school setting, enrolling at a small, private school called Driftwood Academy.
Williams graduated from high school in 1999. In 1995, at age fourteen, Williams turned pro, arousing controversy among many who felt athletes should be older before they become professionals. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the governing body of women’s professional tennis, barred competitors from WTA events at that age, so Williams’s first pro event was a non-WTA tournament in Quebec, Canada.
She was quickly eliminated from that competition. Her introduction to professional play indicated that she needed additional training time, and Richard decided that his youngest daughter should take a break from competition for the remainder of that year and the following year as well.
Serena Williams Career
In 1995, she turned to become a professional tennis player. Starting from the 304 rank, she zoomed up her way to make place for herself in the top 100, at the 99th rank, beating world No. 7 and world No. 4, before losing the semi-finals to world no. 5.
Year 1998 started what became a legacy in her tennis playing career as she recorded a victory at the mixed doubles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open. The sisters went on to win two more doubles titles. She finished the year ranking at the 20th spot.
In 1999, she partnered with her sister to record a victory at the doubles in the French Open & Us Open. Furthermore, she outplayed Martina Hingis to emerge as the winner in the finals of the US Open Grand Slam singles tournament, thus becoming the second African-American woman ever to record the victory. She ended the year with the world no. 4 ranking.
In 2000, the William sisters not only won their first Wimbledon title, but teamed up for their first victory at the Sydney Olympics, wherein they bagged a gold medal in doubles. In the following year, they created history by winning the doubles title in the Australian Open, thus becoming the fifth doubles team to win all four Grand Slam women’s doubles titles. She lost the US Open to her sister Venus in the finals. By the end of the year, her ranking stood at world no. 6.
The year 2002 was a spectacular year for Serena as she went on to win the French Open, the Wimbledon and the U.S Open. In the finals of all these three Grand Slam championships, she defeated her sister Venus Williams. As a result of these victories, she bagged the world no. 1 ranking, dethroning her sister from the top spot. She paired up with Venus Williams to win the women’s doubles title at Wimbledon.
In 2003, she won the Australian Open, and once again she defeated her sister in the finals. By winning the Australian Open, she became only the fifth woman to achieve the rare feat of holding all the Grand Slam singles titles simultaneously.
The others to achieve this feat were Maureen Connolly Brinker, Margaret Court, Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova. This feat was hailed as ‘Serena Slam’ by the press. She also won the doubles titles at the Australian Open in partnership with her sister.
see also : Venus Williams Childhood Biography, Family History & Facts
The super-successful career graph met with a resounding halt as she succumbed to injuries which took a toll on her performance for a couple of years. She could neither defend her title nor her world ranking as she slipped past the world top 10.
Year 2007 marked the year of revival as she came over her physical, psychological and emotional pressure to record a victory at the Australian Open against Maria Sharapova, her third Australian Open and eighth Grand Slam singles title overall. By the end of the year, she scaled to the world number seven rank.
Working her way through the tournaments, she went on to record a victory at the 2008 US Open singles tournaments, outplaying Jelena Jankovic. She emerged as the runner up in the Wimbledon singles tournament against her sister.
In the same year, she partnered with her sister to record a victory at the Wimbledon doubles tournament. Additionally, the duo won a gold medal at the Olympics too. She ended the year at world no. 2 and four singles titles, her best ever since her comeback.
Year 2009 saw the sisters bag all the limelight as they went on to record a victory at the Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open doubles tournament. The same year, she outplayed Dinara Safina at the Australian Open and her sister at the Wimbledon to get hold of the two singles title as well.
She won five Grand Slam titles, putting her total Grand Slam titles at 23. She finished the year at world no. 1 rank, for the second time in her career
The sisters repeated their success streak at the 2010 the Australian Open and the French Open, thus defending their titles. They, however, lost the Wimbledon title. As for her singles victory, she outperformed Justin Henin and Vera Zvonareva at the finals of the Australian Open and the Wimbledon. She ended the year ranked no. 4 in singles, despite having played only six tournaments.
Serena Williams Injuries and Retirement Speculation
In 2011, Williams suffered a series of health scares after doctors found a blood clot in one of her lungs, which kept her away from tennis for several months. Following several procedures, including one to remove a hematoma, speculation rose as to whether Williams would retire from the sport.
see also : Maria Sharapova Childhood Biography, Family, Fame & Facts
In 2011, she took a break, following a series of health issues as doctors found a blood clot in one of her lungs. Due to the same, she kept away from playing tennis for several months.
Not the one to remain idle for long, she returned to the court in 2012 and recorded a victory each at the Wimbledon and US Open singles tournament. She even went on to win the singles gold medal at the 2012 Olympics games. The same year, she paired with her sister to win the doubles title at the Wimbledon.
In 2013, she outclassed Maria Sharapova and Victoria Azarenka to record a victory at the French Open and the US Open singles tournament. With this, she became the oldest US Open champion. Additionally she became the oldest person to win the WTA Championships and the fourth player to win the event four times or more.
In 2015, she defeated Maria Sharapova to win her 6th Australian Open singles title. She then went on to win the French Open and Wimbledon and thereby completed her second ‘Serena Slam’ (holding all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously)
In 2016, she lost to Angelique Kerber in the final of the Australian Open. In the French Open too, she lost in the finals. She bounced back to win the Wimbledon and equaled Steffi Graf’s record of 22 Grand Slams in the Open Era. In the U.S Open, she lost to Karolína Plíšková in the semifinals and in the process lost her No. 1 ranking.
The year 2017 started on a promising note for Serena Williams. She defeated her sister Venus Williams to win the Australian Open. It was the 23 Grand Slam singles title of her career. Later on it was revealed that she was eight-weeks pregnant when she won the Australian Open. On account of her pregnancy, she has taken a break and intends to return to the playing court in 2018.
Apart from playing tennis, she has expanded her brand power to films, television and fashion. She starred and did voice roles for a couple of television shows and also appeared on the cover pages of various magazines. She launched her own line of clothing, ‘Aneres’ in 2004 and her signature collection of handbags and jewellery
The sisters have also come up with a couple of publications. They penned their first book, titled ‘Venus & Serena: Serving From The Hip: 10 Rules For Living, Loving and Winning’ along with author Hilary Beard in 2005. In 2009, she released her first solo autobiography entitled ‘On the Line’
She has won 39 Grand Slam titles: 23 in singles, 14 in women’s doubles, and 2 in mixed doubles. Her record of Grand Slam wins puts her third on the all-time list and second in the open era.
Grand Slam Single Wins: Australian Open (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2017), French Open (2002, 2013, 2015), Wimbledon (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016), US Open (1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Grand Slam Doubles Wins: Australian Open (2001, 2003, 2009, 2010), French Open (1999, 2010), Wimbledon (2000, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2016), US Open (1999, 2009)
Along with sister Venus, she won a record 3 doubles gold in the Olympics as a team.
In 2013, she became the oldest no. 1 player at the age of 31 years and 4 months.
She is the only tennis player in history (man or woman) to have won singles titles at least six times in three of the four Grand Slam tournaments (Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open)
She holds the record of winning the most women’s singles matches at the Grand Slams.
In 2016, she earned $28.9 million in prize money and endorsements and thus became the highest paid female athlete in year.
Life outside of tennis
For much of 2004, Williams dealt with a recurring knee injury. She won the NASDAQ-100 Open in Miami for the third year in a row, but at many other tournaments of the year she was either defeated or had to withdraw due to injury.
Her pursuits outside of tennis began taking up more of her time as well, particularly her efforts to become an actress. Beginning in 2002, Williams started earning guest roles on various television shows, including My Wife and Kids, Showtime’s Street Time, and Law and Order. She also scored a part in Hair Show, a feature film completed in 2004.
Williams told Alex Tresniowski of People magazine that she’s a natural-born performer: “If I hadn’t played tennis, I was destined to be an actress. I’m a complete drama queen.”
Williams has, in spite of her tremendous wealth and success, remained down to earth. She is a devout Jehovah’s Witness, a Christian denomination that involves intensive Bible study and the preaching of biblical teachings to others.
While some have criticized the Williams sisters for what they perceive to be arrogance and unfriendliness, Serena and Venus have also developed a reputation for avoiding petty exchanges of insults among tennis players.
As world-famous tennis stars, they have been the subject of numerous rumors and negative reports in the media, but they try to ignore such press. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey for O, The Oprah Magazine, Serena reported that she doesn’t care what others think of her—”as long as my family knows who I am.
And I know that a lie can’t live forever. Most of the lies people tell about us are eventually washed away, so they don’t bother me.” Williams attributes her levelheadedness to her strong family relationships and spiritual background. “My mom raised us to be strong women,” she told Winfrey. “We were taught that things like peer pressure didn’t exist for us.”
see also : Rafael Nadal Childhood Biography, Family, Fame & Facts
Serena Williams Personal Life & Legacy
She was romantically involved with rapper Common until the two broke up in 2010.
In 2016, she announced her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
Serena Williams’ Wedding and Husband
In December 2016, Williams became engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, who goes by the handle name “Kn0thing” on the site. On November 16, 2017, Williams and Ohanian were married at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Serena wore a stunning Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen dress, and the list of celebrity guests in attendance included Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian West and Eva Longoria.
Serena Williams Baby
Williams went on to clinch the 2017 Australian Open to win her 23rd Grand Slam title. Later that year, Williams revealed she was two months pregnant during the game. She gave birth to her daughter in September and returned to the courts in late December 2017, hoping to shake off the rust in time to defend her Australian Open title.
The tennis great posted a photo with her baby on Instagram and shared the journey of her pregnancy in a video posted on her website and on YouTube.
The wedding festivities were held at New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center and was attended by host of A-list celebrities including singer Beyonce, legendary Vogue magazine editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, reality TV star Kim Kardashian, actress Eva Longoria and singer Ciara.
Facts about Serena Williams
She is allergic to peanuts.
She, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Margaret Court, and Maureen Connolly are the only women in tennis history to hold all four Grand Slam singles titles at the same time (2002).
Was the 1999 US Open champion.
At age 35 and already about 2 months pregnant with her daughter Olympia, Serena beat her sister Venus Williams in the final of the Australian Open in January 2017, clinching a record 23rd Grand Slam singles title.
Is the youngest of 5 girls.
She has three half sisters: Lyndrea, Isha & Yetunde (deceased).
Daughter of Richard Williams and Oracene Williams.
Dad Richard is her coach.
Won the 2000 Olympics doubles competition with her sister Venus
Her scenes of her first movie Black Knight (2001) were cut.
Among her pets was a Yorkshire terrier by the name of Petey (named after one of her tennis heroes, Pete Sampras), Jackie the Jack Russell Terrier; and Bambi the pitbull.
Younger sister of Venus Williams.
Elder sister Yetunde Price was murdered in Compton, California in Fall of 2003.
On 25 January 2003, she won the Australian Open tennis championship, completing the ‘grand slam’ of women’s tennis. “The Serena Slam Completed” was ranked #10 in TV Guide’s list of the “25 Most Awesome Sports Moments (of the last 15 years)”. [17 July 2005 issue.
see also : Andy Murray Childhood Biography, Family, Fame & Facts
She is a certified Fashion Designer and has her own clothing line called “Aneres” which is her name spelled backwards.
In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated her earnings for the year at $14 million.
Reestablished herself as the dominant force in women’s tennis by winning the Australian Open for the 3rd time.
Dominated the world’s top ranked player Maria Sharapova in the final 6-1, 6-2 to win her 8th major championship title. [January 2007]
Appeared in an infomercial, hosted by Anthony Robbins and Tom Selleck, for “The Tony Robbins Ultimate Edge” system. [2008]
Lives in Palm Beach, Florida with her sister, Venus Williams, and two dogs, Jackie (a Jack Russell terrier) and Lauralie (a Maltese). They became limited partners of the Miami Dolphins. [2009]
Besides tennis, Serena doesn’t like to work out much.
Her pregnancy craving is green vegetables.
Friends with Andy Roddick, Brandy Norwood, Kelly Rowland, Eva Longoria, Meghan Markle, and La La Anthony.
Has a small feud with fellow tennis player Jelena Jankovic about the amount of time the players should have to practice.
Appeared naked and pregnant on the August 2017 cover of Vanity Fair magazine, continuing a trend begun by Demi Moore with the May 1991 issue.
Attended the Royal Wedding of friend Meghan Markle & Prince Harry in a draped pink Gianni Versace dress (Windsor Castle, UK / 19 May 2018).
Serena Williams Childhood Biography, Family History & Facts – Trolls & Critics
Serena Williams responds to accusations that she ‘was born a guy’
Serena Williams is widely considered to be the greatest women’s tennis player of all time, but she has had to fend off criticism that she was born a man. Here’s how she handled it all.
Serena Williams, considered the queen of tennis, admitted how tough it was been to read internet conspiracies claiming she was born a man.
Williams wrote an open letter to her mother to thank her for her support over the issue last year.
In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the 23-time Grand Slam champion seems to have embraced her muscular physique.
Williams refers to her biceps as her “weapons” and is currently flexing them at the 2018 French Open.
For an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Serena Williams wore an outfit containing the words “Queen. Don’t be afraid to rule like a king.” And Williams has ruled the tennis kingdom for decades. The 36-year-old has banked over $84 million in career earnings, has an extraordinary overall winning ratio of 85.6%, and is a 23-time Grand Slam champion.
Williams is, quite rightly, considered the queen of tennis — the best to ever do it.
But the internet is filled with conspiracy theories that she was born a man. Theories that Williams is well aware of as she wrote an open letter to her mother, thanking her for her support over the issue, last year.
Speaking to Harper’s, Williams admitted that the ordeal “was hard” for her. She said: “People would say I was born a guy, all because of my arms, or because I’m strong.
“I was different to Venus: she was thin and tall and beautiful, and I am strong and muscular – and beautiful, but, you know, it was just totally different.
“Williams returned to Grand Slam tennis this month for the first time since her 2017 Australian Open victory — a tournament she won while eight weeks pregnant.
Williams is currently cruising through the opening stages of the 2018 French Open and has attracted attention for her Black Panther style catsuit, an outfit that makes her feel “like a warrior princess” from Wakanda.
It is clear Williams has learned to handle the criticisms and has even embraced her strong and muscular body.
She now calls her bulging biceps her “weapons” and her “machine.”
see also :
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