Serena Williams: A Legendary Career and Life Beyond Tennis

Serena Jameka Williams, born on September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, is one of the most celebrated athletes in history. Known for her strength, resilience, and dominance in tennis, she was ranked the world No. 1 in women’s singles by the WTA for 319 weeks and finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Serena redefined women’s tennis, broke barriers, and inspired millions worldwide. Beyond the court, she is a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Early Life and Family Background
Serena was born to Richard Williams and Oracene Price. She grew up alongside her siblings: Venus Williams, Yetunde Price, Richard Williams III, Lyndrea Price, Isha Price, and Ronner Williams. Trained by her father on public courts in Compton, California, Serena and Venus were molded into tennis prodigies who would later dominate global tennis.
Physical Profile
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Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
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Play Style: Right-handed, two-handed backhand
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Known For: Powerful serve, mental toughness, athleticism
Serena Williams’ Husband
Serena married Alexis Ohanian in 2017. Ohanian is the co-founder of Reddit and an entrepreneur known for his investments in tech startups. Their relationship has been admired worldwide for its mutual respect and public support. Alexis is often seen courtside, cheering Serena through her tournaments.
Serena Williams’ Children
The couple has two daughters:
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Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., born in September 2017.
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Adira River Ohanian, born in August 2023.
Serena has often said that motherhood reshaped her life, giving her a new perspective on balance, priorities, and empowerment.
Serena Williams’ House
Serena owns luxury homes in several locations, including:
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A lavish mansion in Beverly Hills, California.
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A stunning waterfront property in Miami, Florida.
Her houses reflect her taste for elegance, featuring modern architecture, spacious designs, and world-class amenities.
Professional Career Timeline
1999: First Major and Becoming a Top-5 Player
Serena won her first Grand Slam at the US Open in 1999, defeating top players like Martina Hingis. At just 17 years old, she broke into the world’s top 5 and marked the beginning of her historic career.
2000–2001: Olympic Gold, US Open Final, and Indian Wells Boycott
In 2000, she partnered with Venus to win the Olympic gold medal in doubles. She also reached the 2001 US Open final, losing to Venus. That same year, due to a controversial incident, the sisters began boycotting the Indian Wells tournament, which Serena did not return to until 2015.
2002–2003: The First “Serena Slam”
From 2002 to 2003, Serena won four consecutive Grand Slam titles (French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open), completing her first “Serena Slam.”
2004–2007: Injuries and Comeback
Serena struggled with injuries and inconsistency but still managed major wins, including the 2007 Australian Open, proving her resilience.
2008–2010: Injuries, Controversy, and Return to No. 1
Despite injuries and a major on-court controversy at the 2009 US Open, Serena fought back to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking in 2009 and won multiple majors.
2011–2013: Return to Dominance and Career Golden Slam
In 2012, Serena won Olympic singles gold in London, completing the Career Golden Slam (winning all four majors plus Olympic gold). She dominated 2012 and 2013 with multiple Grand Slam victories.
2014–2015: Second “Serena Slam”
Serena won four majors in a row again (2014 US Open to 2015 Wimbledon), achieving her second career “Serena Slam.”
2016: Equalling Steffi Graf’s Records
In 2016, Serena tied Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles with her Wimbledon win.
2017: Australian Open Victory and Pregnancy
Serena won the 2017 Australian Open while eight weeks pregnant with her first daughter — a feat that stunned the sports world.
2018: Return to Tennis, Wimbledon, and Controversies
Serena returned after giving birth, reaching the 2018 Wimbledon and US Open finals, though both ended in defeat amid controversy.
2019: Return to the Top 10
Despite not winning a major, Serena returned to the WTA top 10 rankings and continued her pursuit of Grand Slam glory.
2020–2022: Final Years
Serena’s final years were marked by reduced appearances and fewer wins. In 2022, she announced she was “evolving away from tennis,” playing her last professional match at the US Open.
Coaches
Throughout her career, Serena worked with notable coaches, including:
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Richard Williams (her father) – early career development.
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Patrick Mouratoglou – her long-term coach from 2012, who helped her dominate again.
Rackets
Serena endorsed Wilson rackets, most notably the Wilson Blade series, customized for her powerful and aggressive game.
Career Statistics
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Grand Slam singles titles: 23
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Grand Slam doubles titles: 14 (with Venus Williams)
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Grand Slam mixed doubles: 2
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Olympic gold medals: 4 (1 singles, 3 doubles)
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Total career titles: 73 WTA singles titles
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Weeks as World No. 1: 319
Serena Williams Net Worth
As of 2025, Serena Williams’ net worth is estimated at $260 million. Her wealth comes from:
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Over $94 million in career prize money.
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Endorsements with Nike, Gatorade, Wilson, and more.
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Investments through Serena Ventures, backing over 60 startups.
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Fashion and business ventures, including her own clothing line.
Conclusion
Serena Williams is more than a tennis champion; she is a trailblazer, entrepreneur, mother, and inspiration to millions worldwide. From her historic 23 Grand Slam victories to her journey as a wife and mother, Serena has set an example of resilience and excellence. Her impact extends beyond tennis, shaping business, fashion, and social causes.
Her story will forever remain a legacy of greatness. And here at The Globe Gist, we honor Serena not just as an athlete but as a global icon who changed the world of sports forever.
Q1. Who is Serena Williams?
Serena Jameka Williams is an American former professional tennis player, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history. She won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and was ranked world No. 1 for 319 weeks.
Q2. How many Grand Slam titles does Serena Williams have?
Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era of tennis. She also has 14 doubles titles (with Venus Williams) and 2 mixed doubles titles.
Q3. Who is Serena Williams’ husband?
Serena Williams is married to Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit. They tied the knot in 2017.
Q4. Does Serena Williams have children?
Yes, Serena has two daughters: Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. (born in 2017) and Adira River Ohanian (born in 2023).
Q5. What is Serena Williams’ net worth?
As of 2025, Serena Williams’ net worth is estimated to be around $260 million, making her one of the wealthiest female athletes in the world.
Q6. How tall is Serena Williams?
Serena Williams stands at 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) tall.
Q7. Where does Serena Williams live?
Serena owns multiple luxury homes, including a mansion in Beverly Hills, California, and a waterfront property in Miami, Florida.
Q8. Who were Serena Williams’ coaches?
Serena was coached by her father Richard Williams during her early years and later by Patrick Mouratoglou, who guided her through a major comeback.
Q9. When did Serena Williams retire from tennis?
Serena Williams announced her retirement, or “evolution away from tennis,” in 2022, after her final appearance at the US Open.
Q10. Why is Serena Williams considered the greatest?
Serena is considered the greatest for her unmatched records, dominance, resilience, and influence both on and off the court. Her impact goes beyond tennis, inspiring women and athletes worldwide.
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