Serena Williams
Embodying power, courage, style and beauty, Serena Williams is a professional tennis athlete with a spectacular backhand and an amazing determination. More than just her skills, Serena has a “heart of gold” for philanthropic causes. Her commitment to both her dream and her sport has become truly inspiring for many people who’ve followed her tennis career.
At age 25, Serena Williams has already conquered insurmountable odds, winning eight Grand Slams and becoming one of the greatest all-time tennis players. Serena’s extraordinary tennis skills quickly rewarded her with the tennis fame, yet only her exceptional drive and charm can explain her success in endeavors made outside tennis, like film, fashion, philanthropy, and television.
Biography Of Serena Williams
Born on the 26th of September 1981 to Oracene and Richard Williams, Serena Williams is the youngest of five sisters. Her family moved to Los Angeles, and she and her sisters grew up in the rough suburb of LA –Compton. It was Serena’s father Richard, who initially introduced the game to Serena when she was just four years old.
With a father who had big dreams for his daughters, Richard helped Serena and sister Venus to develop a love for the game, making them champions years later. Serena started her tennis training on the courts of her neighborhood, where her skills for the game were swiftly made known.
A Fireball At Four
When Serena was just four-and-a-half years old, she played her very first tournament. Ever since that day, she continued to win almost every competition she played on at junior level. The skills and talent she had for tennis paved the way to becoming a professional tennis star by age fourteen, in the autumn of 1995. However, due to Serena’s young age, she had to join “non-WTA tournaments” at first.
Playing In “Big” Leagues
When Serena turned professional at 14 and played in the big leagues, she started off with a rocky start. Her first “major tournament” experienced a glaring defeat during the 1995 Bell Challenge held in Quebec. Serena was ranked as 304th in 1997, yet she beat No.7 Mary Pierce during the 2nd round, and No.4 Monica Seles during the quarterfinals of a 1997 tournament sponsored by Americtech held in Chicago.
With the continued support and encouragement of her father, Serena determinedly went upward to reach her goals. By 1999, she was in No.21 place, after beating sixth placer Irina Spirlea and losing the 1998 Australian Open to her sister Venus Williams. The 1998 Australian Open was her first “Grand Slam” singles event.
Serena Conquers
Serena’s hard work was rewarded when she won her first U.S. Open title in the following September. She defeated high-ranking female players like Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis. The following day, Serena and her sister Venus won the “Ladies’ Doubles” tournament. Undoubtedly, Serena Williams was on her way to becoming one of the world’s greatest players.
The Dominance
Serena Williams’ tennis success has given her the attention of agents and producers. On top of being featured with her sister Venus in “The Simpsons” 2001 episode, Serena also made character part in the film Black Knight starred by Martin Lawrence. Additionally, she also made a special appearance in the video of Memphis Bleek’s “Do My” featuring Jay-Z. Together with countless endorsements like Puma athletic show going on, Serena Williams isn’t only fulfilling the dreams of her father, but she is also surpassing them.
Simply Serena
When the tennis star is not practicing, Serena enjoys skateboarding, surfing, playing guitar, and watching cartoons. She is also deeply dedicated to “philanthropic” causes, visiting hospitals and schools, and conducting tennis clinics for “at-risk youths”. Working together with The Owl Foundation, Serena is able to assist in funding programs that focus on learning problems of individuals experiencing academic failure.
At present, tennis stays top priority for Serena Williams, and she’ll definitely make that significant leap to being number one.