Throughout her 27 year career, Serena Williams has achieved more victories than most athletes could ever imagine. From winning 14 women’s doubles Grand Slam titles to winning Wimbledon singles 7 times. We decide to take a dive into the life of this incredible winner from her humble beginnings to her recent retirement announcement.

Where did it all begin?

Born in September 26th of 1981 in Michigan, Serena and her equally as famous sister Venus were taken to the local tennis courts by their father, Richard Williams. Supported by her family, Serena flourished on the court. In fact, the support from her family was so great that they upped and moved to Florida in 1991 so that herself and Venus could attend a tennis academy. Serena turned pro in 1995 and despite starting a year after her older sister, she beat her to be the first Williams to win a Grand Slam singles title at the US Open in 1999. 

What was it like being a black woman in tennis?

Serena Williams became the first African American woman to win an Open Grand Slam title. She was set to become a role model for African American little girls looking to play tennis. The precursor to the new millennium was shaping up nicely for women of colour. Serena was like a beacon screaming «you can do it. It doesn’t matter what race you are». It hadn’t always been like this. It took 23 years for an African American woman for winning an Open title!

Let’s consider that the first African American Interstate tournament was held in 1898. This gave black people in America the opportunity to compete in a tennis tournament when, in other aspects of life, they were not allowed to do much. Eventually, in 1916, the American Tennis Association was founded for professional black tennis players. Both men and women played under this association and the players flourished despite still being banned from tennis courts used by white players. By 1957 some incredibly talented black, female players, such as Matilda Peters and Althea Gibson, were winning national titles. Althea Gibson became the first black woman to win a Grand Slam title after winning 10 consecutive ATA women’s singles championships. It was this win that broke the barriers for black women in tennis and paved the way for Serena and Venus Williams to reach the success. 

Delving into fashion 

Serena has been a huge inspiration to girls all over the world, from every race and background, since the monumental win at the US Open in 1999. As well as her gilded tennis career, Williams has also turned heads in the fashion world both on and off the courts. Having attended fashion school in 2018, Serena also started her own fashion line, S by Serena collection, all whilst winning Grand Slam titles of course! As you would expect from such an incredibly multifaceted woman, her website states that her designs are “inspired by strong, confident women.” 

Fashion on the court

As stylish as ever on the court, Serena played her last match at the beginning of September. After announcing her retirement from the sport, the 40-year-old appeared on the US Open court in a highly dazzling and sentimental outfit. It was certainly a piece to make you go wow! Fittingly, Serena collaborated with Nike to create this sensational ensemble. The 6-layer skirt is said to represent her 6 US Open titles whilst the jewelled bodice represents the night sky above centre court. A fitting tribute to an equally as dazzling career! Serena was sparkling from head to toe, from her Nike headband, dress and trainers to the  jewellery from her own Serena Williams Jewellery brand.

Serena calls her retirement an “evolution” away from tennis and it certainly seems an appropriate word for a woman who the public has seen grow from a teen to a woman, from the start to the end of her tennis career.