11 Things you didn’t know about Serena Williams

Serena Jameka Williams is an American professional tennis player and former world No. 1 in women’s single tennis. She has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era, and the second-most of all time behind Margaret Court. She was born on the 26^th of September 1981 (age 38 years), weighs 70 kg and stands at 1.75 m tall.  Here are 11 things you didn’t know about Serena Williams. 

1.  Serena held her first tennis racquet at the age of five. 

Serena’s father made sure she got her hands on a tennis racket by the time she was just five years old. He knew he would raise a tennis champion after being inspired by Virginia Ruzici performance in the French Open in 1978. It was reported at the time that Ruzici had earned $40,000 in prize money that week, which was more than Richard Williams earned all year, three years later, Serena became the proud swinger of an oversized tennis racket that turned out to be a metaphor for just how strong and capable she would become.

2. At the age of eight, Serena competed in her first ever tennis tournament.

Against the wishes of her father, Serena managed to properly submit an application form for entry into a tournament reserved for Venus’s (Serena’s sister) debut. Venus won the tournament by defeating Serena who would also advance to the finals, and both were awarded trophies. Serena got the silver Venus the gold. Yet despite the fact it was supposed to be Venus’s shining moment, Venus traded her gold trophy to Serena for her silver one in a moment of unselfish generosity, knowing just how much that meant to her little sister.

3.  Serena shared a single bedroom with her four sisters and only two beds. 

Sharing a single room and two beds with her four sisters growing up meant Serena was awarded the role of sleeping with a different sister every night on rotation. Any child could easily develop a negative, complex or self-image around such a dynamic, but instead, Serena considered herself fortunate and was grateful she could have an equal opportunity to bond with each of them. In fact, Serena still crawled into bed with Venus even after the two sisters left the nest 

4.  She Is a Published Author. 

In 2009, Williams released her autobiography for sale. ‘Titled My Life: Queen of the Court’, the book is all about her personal life and career in tennis. Williams also co-authored a book titled ‘Venus and Serena: Serving from the Hip’, with her sister. 

5. Serena’s total net worth is they reported 225 million dollars. 

At a net worth of about $ 225 million, Serena Williams is among the wealthiest, professional female athletes in history. Some of the highlights include winning 23 Grand Slam titles, Wimbledon 10 times and becoming the oldest player in history to reach number one. Her endorsement deals over the past year alone were worth over 15 million outside of her deal with Nike. Serena is viewed as a positive role model among underprivileged youth and African American women in particular by overcoming racial demographic and social limitations to ascend to where she is today. 

6. Serena’s eldest sister Yetunde was shot and killed September 14 2003. 

Serena’s journey has had its share of turbulence, none of which compares to the tragic and sudden shooting death of her sister, Yetunde on September 14 2003. This traumatic event closely followed by sidelining injuries brought Serena face to face with depression, leading to a career low year in 2005. From which she would eventually recover 

7. Serena carries a journal with her and she refers to it as her match book.

Serena carries a journal with her to this very day that she calls her match book. She uses it as a source of inspiration, filling it with reminders, aphorisms, affirmations and words of encouragement that she would draw upon for motivation when she needed it. This is just another way in which Serena used some means to keep herself centered, grounded and focused on the task at hand. 

8.  Serena purchased a new home in Beverly Hills for $6.7 million.

Just after placing her Bellaire home on the market, Serena Williams bought a new home in Beverly Hills for $6.7 million. Serena has always lived by a policy that maintains a separation between work life and home life and her new home would prove no different. In fact, the only thing that seems to be missing is a tennis court, complete with five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The home boasts a game room yoga and massage room, a wine cellar and a chef’s kitchen. The home also has a few fireplaces. 

9. Serena gave birth to her first daughter, Alexis Olympia ohanian Jr. 

Serena’s life took an unexpected but welcome turn as her first daughter Alexis Olympia ohanian Jr. was born September 1 2017. The world has witnessed Serena Williams dominate the world of tennis. flourish in the world of business and branding, participate in counts. lists, charities and causes, and it’s even witnessed her overcome every challenge she’s ever faced. Now we get to witness her fulfill her newest and arguably most important role in her life, motherhood. 

10. She owns a Clothing line.

In May 2018, Serena launched a new fashion line for women. Her aim was to create a clothing line that would invoke strength and confidence in the wearer being both functional, affordable and stylish while preserving a feminine appeal. Serena continues to demonstrate her strong sense of branding and business savvy as she strives to make her Mark across another highly competitive industry in the world of design and fashion. 

11. Causes and Charities.

 Serena has supported as many as 29 causes and 13 charities as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Serena spearheaded UNICEF schools for Asia campaign. This program provides educational resources to Asia’s 26 million marginalized children offering opportunities where none formerly existed.