Serena Williams

Serena Williams, born on September 26, 1981, is a legendary American former professional tennis player whose impact on the sport is unparalleled. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades, she was ranked as the world No. 1 in women's singles for an impressive 319 weeks, securing her place as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Williams clinched 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including a record 23 major women's singles titles, the most in the Open Era.

Turning professional in 1995, Williams quickly made her mark by winning her first major singles title at the 1999 US Open. Her dominance peaked between the 2002 French Open and the 2003 Australian Open, where she achieved a non-calendar year Grand Slam, famously known as the 'Serena Slam.' Despite facing injuries and a decline in form in the following years, she made a triumphant return to the top of the rankings starting in 2007, culminating in another period of dominance from 2012 onwards.

Williams not only excelled in singles but also in doubles, winning 23 WTA Tour-level doubles titles alongside her sister Venus, with whom she shares an undefeated record in major doubles finals. The sisters achieved a non-calendar year Grand Slam in doubles and are the only women in the Open Era to win Olympic gold in both singles and doubles. Serena's accolades include four Olympic gold medals and the distinction of being the only player to complete three career Golden Slams.

Beyond her athletic prowess, Williams has made significant strides as a businesswoman and author, becoming the highest-paid woman athlete in 2016 and 2017. Her influence extends beyond the court, as she has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year four times and the Princess of Asturias Award for Sport in 2025. In 2020, she was named the greatest women's tennis player of all time by the Tennis Channel.