Serena Williams' Biography

Tennis player. Born Serena Jameka Williams on September 26, 1981 in Saginaw, Michigan. Raised in the turbulent Los Angeles suburb of Compton, Serena Williams and her siblings were taught tennis by their father in hopes it would lead them to a better life. Eventually she and her older sister, Venus, moved to West Palm Beach to attend coach Rick Macci’s elite tennis school.

Serena Williams’ first major achievement was capturing the US Open singles title in 1999. She partnered with her sister to gain doubles titles in the US Open (1999), French Open (1999), Wimbledon (2000, 2002), and Australian Open (2001, 2003). Further successes include singles titles at the French Open (2002), Wimbledon (2002, 2003), the US Open (2002), and the Australian Open (2003).

In 2002 and 2003, the Williams sisters faced off in four consecutive Grand Slam finals, the only siblings in the history of the sport to do so (Serena bested Venus each time). In all, Serena Williams won eight Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal in women's doubles (2000), which she shares with her sister.

Known for her flamboyant fashion choices on the court, Serena Williams has launched her own line for Puma and Nike, as well as a designer clothing line called Aneres.

Serena Williams' Biography