Serena Williams is an undeniable force.
Since her debut as a kid, she’s proven time and time again that not only does she have one-in-a-million talent, but she also has the heart to do it. On and off the court, Williams leads with the same intensity, commitment to her craft and determination that keeps her one step ahead of everyone else.
Over the years, we have grown with her and witnessed her journey as an athlete, wife, mother, sister, daughter and businesswoman. Serena Williams made history 10 times as we celebrate this extraordinary woman today and every day.
Serena Williams makes history as a tennis player (male or female) with the most Grand Slams
In 2017, Serena Williams defeated her sister Venus Williams at the Australian Open, creating a history of 23 Grand Slam titles. At the time, it was the most recorded singles title by a male or female player in the history of the Open Era.
Serena wins 100th U.S. Open
In 2019, Serena Williams won her 100th U.S. Open.Of Williams’ 100 U.S. Open wins, she played only Nine tie-breaks, seven wonDefeated players from 30 different countries, with a winning rate of 84% in straight sets. This is more proof that she lives up to her title as one of the greatest players of all time (GOAT).
Serena becomes second black woman to appear on ‘Wheaties Box’ after Althea Gibson
In 2019, the four-time Olympic gold medalist launched her new Wheaties Box, making history as the second Black female tennis player to appear on the iconic cereal box, following Althea Gibson.
“I have dreamed of this since I was young and am honored to join the ranks of some of America’s most decorated athletes. I hope my image on this iconic orange box inspires the next generation of girls and athletes to dream big.” Williams said.
Serena Williams named female athlete of the decade
At the beginning of the decade, in January 2020, Serena Williams was named the Associated Press’ Female Athlete of the Decade, while LeBron James was named the “Best Male Athlete of the Decade” title. A trailblazer in every sense of the word, Williams has been named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year five times in the past decade — in 2002, 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2018.
Serena Williams wins first title since becoming a mom
In 2020, after taking leave to give birth to my first daughter, I became a maternal health advocate After a painful labor, Serena Williams won her first title since 2017, with her daughter Olympia cheering her on from the stands. It’s a testament to her resilience and a reminder of the power of female athletes around the world.
Serena becomes first person to win 100 games at Arthur Ashe Stadium
Serena Williams, 38, won 23 Grand Slam titles in 2020 and beat Greek tennis player Maria Sakkari at Flushing Meadows over the Labor Day weekend. The history-making victory made her the first person to win 100 games at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In 2003, the Serena Williams card made history and became the most sold card of a female athlete.
In 2022, a 2003 Serena Williams NetPro signed patch rookie card sold for $266,400, making history as the most expensive female athlete trading card ever sold.
A new record for highest-priced trading card by a female athlete was set last night @GoldinCo .Esther @serenawilliams A 2003 NETPRO signed patch rookie card sold for $266,400, setting a new record. pic.twitter.com/0jGn4BpEXO
— Ken Goldin (@KenGoldin) May 22, 2022
Nike unveils Serena Williams Building, largest building on Nike campus
In 2022, Nike unveiled a 1 million-square-foot building named after tennis icon Serena Williams at its headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. She is the third female athlete to own a Nike building and the first black female athlete to own a Nike building.
Serena Williams’ venture capital firm raises $111M first round to invest in diverse founders
In 2022, after the active angel investor’s status declined, Serena Williams’ venture capital firm Serena Ventures raised $111 million in its first fund to support diverse founders from historically underrepresented backgrounds. people.
Serena’s 2-year-old daughter Olympia becomes youngest-ever owner of a professional sports team, creating generational wealth
In 2020, the National Women’s Soccer League announced the formation of a new expansion team in Los Angeles, named Angel City. The team has a star-studded ownership group of 30 people, including Serena Williams and her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian ) and their daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. The toddler’s stake in the new sports company is historic, making Olympia the youngest person to co-own a professional sports company.Olympia makes history again this year Youngest two-time professional sports team owner When she was named co-owner of Tiger Woods Los Angeles Golf Club along with her mom, dad and Newborn sister Adira RiverShe was still in the womb when she became a master.
Photography: Ella Ling/Bpi/Shutterstock