Serena Williams holds more Grand Slam singles titles than any player in the Open Era, with 23. Her numerous accolades and iconic moments have made her one of the most celebrated athletes in sports history. But what truly sets her apart as the greatest? Here are 15 ways she showed us that.
First Grand Slam Victory
At just 17, Serena clinched her first Grand Slam title at the 1999 U.S. Open. Overcoming a hostile crowd and accusations of match-fixing, Serena triumphed against world No. 1 Martina Hingis. This marked her arrival on the world stage and the beginning of her legendary journey in tennis.
The Historic “Serena Slam”
From 2002 to 2003, Serena held all four major titles simultaneously—the “Serena Slam.” This remarkable feat showcased her dominance as she consecutively won the French Open, Wimbledon, U.S. Open, and Australian Open. She achieved her second Serena Slam by winning four consecutive majors again, from 2014-2015.
Indisputable Olympic Glory
Serena’s Olympic success is unmatched. She took home four gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics, one in singles and three in doubles (2000 Sydney, 2008 Beijing, and 2012 London) alongside her sister Venus. This makes her one of the most decorated tennis players in Olympic history.
The Unseeded Champion
In a stunning comeback, Serena won the 2007 Australian Open unseeded after ranking No. 81 in the world. Amid doubts about her fitness, she defeated world No. 1 Maria Sharapova in straight sets to become the first unseeded player to win this prestigious tournament since 1978.
Record-Breaking Aces
During the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, Serena set a remarkable record by serving 102 aces, the most by any player, male or female. In the semifinals, she achieved 24 aces against Agnieszka Radwanska, becoming the first woman to do so. She then collected her fifth Wimbledon title and 14th Grand Slam win.
Breaking The Mold Of Body Image In Tennis
Serena’s powerful physique shattered traditional stereotypes of what a female tennis player should look like. She embraced her strength and encouraged others to do the same. Her confidence influenced a broader conversation about beauty and strength, transcending sports culture. She is a true champion of body positivity.
Smashing The 23rd Grand Slam Record
Surpassing Steffi Graf’s record, Serena’s 23rd Grand Slam victory at the 2017 Australian Open was iconic—not only for breaking the record but also for doing it while pregnant. She defeated her sister Venus Williams in the final, 6-4, 6-4, and became the first player to win 10 Grand Slam titles after 30.
Most Titles On Hard Courts
Serena leads the female record for most hard-court trophies, with 48 victories to her name. Her powerful baseline game dominated the surface and earned her 13 Grand Slam titles—7 Australian Opens and 6 U.S. Opens. Her legacy endures from her first hard-court win in 1999 to her last in 2020.
Longest Streaks At No. 1
The superstar athlete spent a remarkable 319 weeks ranked No. 1 in women’s tennis, including a record-tying 186 consecutive weeks from 2013 to 2016. During that streak, William claimed seven Grand Slam titles. Her sustained excellence, ranking third all-time, highlights her unmatched dominance and dedication to the sport.
Redefining The Power Of The Serve
With a serve that consistently clocked over 120 mph, with an average of 106 mph, Serena turned her serve into one of her greatest ammunitions. Her exceptional technique included a precision that generated significant speed and spin, making her serve one of the most effective in tennis history.
Unmatched Doubles Success With Venus
The William Sisters were a powerful team. The duo claimed 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with a perfect 14-0 record in finals. They also secured three Olympic gold medals in doubles. Their success includes a non-calendar year Grand Slam and being the only sisters to achieve a Career Golden Slam.
Overcoming Adversity Like A Champion
Despite injuries, setbacks, and impending health issues—including a pulmonary embolism in 2011 and complications after giving birth in 2017—Serena’s comebacks have been legendary. Each time, she returned stronger. Serena proved her resilience and determination by winning multiple Grand Slam titles and overcoming mental fatigue and controversies.
Reinventing Longevity In The Game
Playing well into her 30s and winning 10 Grand Slam titles after turning 30, Serena changed the perception of age in professional sports. Serena’s ability to remain at the top for over two decades and compete at the highest level against younger opponents speaks volumes about her talent and adaptability.
Fashion Forward And Fearless
Serena Williams is a style icon known for bold fashion choices, like her 2018 French Open catsuit. Named Fashion Icon at the 2023 CFDA Awards, she promotes body confidence. She encourages women to uphold strength and individuality through her Nike collaborations and her fashion line, S by Serena.
Cultural Impact
Beyond her championships, Serena Williams advocates for social justice and gender equality in sports. Serena champions equal pay and supports initiatives through the Serena Williams Fund, which focuses on education and healthcare for underserved communities. Her outspoken nature inspires athletes to address critical issues, making her a powerful role model for future generations.
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