Serena: ‘What she does and what she achieved, it’s something unbelievable’

Serena Williams was raised in Compton, where she and her older sister Venus were introduced to tennis on the tough public courts by their father, Richard. However, both sisters have transcended their origins and become global icons, transforming their sport and promoting inclusivity.

While Serena has achieved more titles than her sister, she consistently acknowledges Venus for paving the way along their improbable journey from quiet, eager youngsters to illustrious Grand Slam champions.

Their presence in a predominantly white sport as black athletes automatically challenged conventions. Additionally, Serena defied expectations with her muscular physique, which adds power to her serves. She has utilized her strength and influence to secure 23 Grand Slam singles titles, just one shy of Margaret Court’s record. Notably, she clinched her last major victory at the 2017 Australian Open while in the early stages of pregnancy with her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.

Serena Williams was raised in Compton, where she and her older sister Venus honed their tennis skills on gritty public courts under the watchful eye of their father, Richard. However, both sisters have since become global icons, revolutionizing their sport and promoting inclusivity.

While Serena has amassed more titles than her sister, she consistently acknowledges Venus for blazing the trail that led two reserved yet determined youngsters to become formidable Grand Slam champions.

Their mere presence in a predominantly white sport as black athletes automatically challenged norms. Serena further defied conventions with her muscular physique, which adds power to her serves. She has leveraged her strength and influence to claim 23 Grand Slam singles titles, just one shy of matching Margaret Court’s record. Notably, she clinched her last major victory at the 2017 Australian Open while in the early stages of pregnancy with her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.

Serena Williams has reached a level of fame where she is recognized solely by her first name. Admirers, both aspiring young athletes inspired by her success and casual fans alike, speak of her accomplishments with reverence. “What she does and what she achieved, it’s something unbelievable,” remarked Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina after Williams defeated her 6-3, 6-1 in a semifinal of the 2019 U.S. Open.

With career earnings surpassing $92.7 million (more than double those of her sister Venus) and her advocacy for equitable pay for female tennis players, Williams has transcended the boundaries of the court. However, she humbly rejects the label of superstar, stating during the 2019 U.S. Open, “I would be pontificating to a level I wouldn’t even know to say I’m a superstar. Obviously, I’m just Serena. I don’t try to be anybody else. I don’t try to be famous. I don’t try to be anything.”

Serena Williams has long served as a role model for women of color like Naomi Osaka, Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys, and rising star Coco Gauff. However, Williams humbly refrains from taking credit for inspiring them, stating, “I can’t be presumptuous and say that’s because of me. I think it’s because of these young women, and their parents and coaches want them to do something amazing.”

According to Williams, “I think tennis is a great sport for females and it’s a great way to showcase your personality, be yourself, make a great living and still do something that you absolutely love.”

In 2017, Williams was ranked No. 1 in the world when she took a break from tennis due to maternity. Her daughter, Olympia Ohanian, was born on September 1 via Cesarean section, but Williams faced health complications when she developed blood clots. She underwent multiple surgeries and was confined to bed rest for six weeks, with her focus shifting from tennis to recovery.