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Humble beginnings
Venus and her sister Serena Williams grew up learning tennis in the tough neighborhood of Compton, California. They have apparently spoken of hearing gunshots while practicing on public courts and fled to Florida for a safer environment. An array of trophies later, there’s no looking back, except to trace how far she’s come.
True Champion
The 34-year-old American tennis player has 45 career singles titles and has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, including five at Wimbledon. And forming a powerful duo with her sister, she’s won 13 women’s doubles matches, two mixed doubles and has bagged four Olympic gold medals. Who can argue with that?
Multi-talented
She’s not just capable on the courts. Williams earned herself an associated degree in fashion design and launched EleVen – her line of sportswear fashion line. She is also a Certified Interior Decorator, as well as a bestselling author, and enjoys writing poetry, sewing and playing the guitar. How she finds the time is anyone’s guess.
Role Model
Billie Jean King, a former world number one in the game, spoke to the NY Daily News about the sisters’ wider impact: “As big of a force as they are in our sport, they have transcended tennis, race and gender and this has enabled them to grow and sustain their marketability and their relevance in society.”
Williams was also the first African-American woman in the Open Era to be crowned world number one on February 25, 2002.
Giving back
Williams designed the interior of the recently unveiled Southeast Tennis and Learning Center in Washington D.C., with a 48,000-square-foot, six-court indoor facility aptly named the “Williams Arena.” The sisters are long-term supporters of the venue, which aspires to give opportunities to children in the area.
Originally published on the Champions Tennis League site here.
Venus Williams and Father Richard recall one match that 7-time Grand Slam champion "should have won"
