Hello, Tennis fans! If you love following the Tennis and admire world-class, Serena Williams is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Serena Williams is one of the greatest tennis players in history, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, record-breaking prize money, and a huge impact on sport and business. By 2025–2026, she remains retired from professional tennis but very active as an investor, entrepreneur, and public figure.
Serena Williams’ Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Serena Jameka Williams |
| Nickname | Meka, Momma Smash |
| Date of Birth | September 26, 1981 |
| Age | 44 years old |
| Birthplace | Saginaw, Michigan, USA |
| Height | 5’9″ (1.75 meters) |
| Nationality | American |
| College | The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale |
| Turned Professional | October 1995 |
| Net Worth | $350 million |
| Spouse | Alexis Ohanian |
| Marriage Date | November 16, 2017 |
| Children | Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., Adira River Ohanian |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @serenawilliams |
| Religion | Jehovah’s Witness |
| Hometown | Saginaw, Michigan |
Early Career
Serena Williams’ early career began when she turned professional on a cool October day in 1995, stepping onto the court at the Bell Challenge in Quebec City at just fourteen years old. That inaugural match resulted in a loss to fellow American Annie Miller, and in truth, nobody could have predicted what would follow. Williams took a year off and returned to professional tennis in 1997, quickly climbing the rankings. By the end of 1997, she had cracked the top 100, reaching number 99 on the WTA rankings. In 1998, her breakthrough year was solidifying when she participated in her first Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open, only to lose to her older sister Venus in the second round. However, this encounter against her sister would become a defining narrative in her career.
The watershed moment arrived in 1999 when Serena won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, defeating Switzerland’s Martina Hingis 6-3, 7-6 in a gripping final. This victory made her the first Black woman to win a Grand Slam since Althea Gibson in 1958, marking a significant milestone in sports history. She was only seventeen years old, and the tennis world suddenly took notice. Her ranking catapulted to number four globally, and sponsors came knocking. She signed a groundbreaking $12 million endorsement deal with Puma in 1999, a substantial amount for a young female athlete at that time. These early years established her as a formidable force in women’s tennis and set the stage for an unprecedented dominance that would last three decades.
Professional Career
Serena Williams’ professional career spans nearly three decades, during which she accumulated records that seem almost impossible to break. She won twenty-three Grand Slam singles titles—the most of any player in the Open Era and second only to Margaret Court’s twenty-four all-time titles. Her dominance was not limited to single tournaments; she achieved the remarkable feat of holding the world number one ranking for 319 weeks across her career, the third-highest total in women’s tennis history. Between 2013 and 2016, she held the number one ranking for an extraordinary 186 consecutive weeks, tying Steffi Graf’s record. This sustained excellence over such an extended period demonstrates her unparalleled consistency and competitive mentality.
Her Grand Slam wins spanned multiple decades, with her first coming in 1999 and her final victory occurring in 2017 at the Australian Open at age thirty-five, making her the oldest woman in the Open Era to win a major singles title. Between 2002 and 2003, she completed her first “Serena Slam,” winning all four major tournaments in succession (though not in the same calendar year). She repeated this feat again in 2014-2015, becoming one of only six women to accomplish a Career Grand Slam.
Beyond singles, her career achievements extended to 73 WTA singles titles, 14 doubles Grand Slams (mostly alongside her sister Venus), 4 Olympic gold medals, and an impressive overall career record of 856 wins and 154 losses. Her win percentage of approximately 84.7% remains one of the highest among all-time great players. Serena wasn’t just a tennis player; she was a cultural phenomenon who elevated women’s tennis into mainstream consciousness and redefined what female athletes could achieve athletically and commercially.
Husband
Serena Williams’ relationship with Alexis Ohanian represents one of the most charming and well-documented modern fairytale romances between two globally influential figures. They first met on May 12, 2015, at the Cavalieri Hotel in Rome while Serena was there to compete in the Italian Open and Alexis was attending the Festival of Media Global conference. Interestingly, their first interaction wasn’t romantic—Serena and her friends actually asked Alexis to leave their reserved pool table. However, Ohanian was undeterred and eventually joined her group. He attended her match that day, and their connection deepened during the French Open in Paris, where they spent six hours exploring the city together on their first date.
After nearly three years of dating, Alexis proposed on December 29, 2016, at the same hotel in Rome where they first met—adding another romantic chapter to their story. Serena was expecting their first child at the time, though she didn’t publicly announce her pregnancy until her stunning reveal during the 2017 Australian Open, where she won the tournament while carrying her daughter. Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., nicknamed “Olympia,” was born on September 1, 2017, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The couple married on November 16, 2017, in an intimate ceremony at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, with celebrity guests including Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian West in attendance. Five years later, they welcomed their second daughter, Adira River Ohanian, born on August 15, 2023. Serena announced her second pregnancy in style, subtly revealing it during the Met Gala in May 2023 by telling Vogue, “There’s three of us here.” Both children feature prominently in Serena’s life; Olympia has appeared on magazine covers, including Vogue, and both daughters are mentioned frequently in her social media presence where she identifies herself as “Mom to @olympiaohanian and @adiraohanian.”
Serena Williams’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Serena Williams’ net worth of approximately $350 million, makes her the wealthiest female athlete in history, a testament to her ability to build a diverse empire far beyond tennis winnings. What’s remarkable about her wealth is its composition—only $94.8 million (less than 30%) came directly from prize money during her professional tennis career. The remaining $255+ million represents earnings from endorsements, business ventures, venture capital investments, real estate holdings, and other entrepreneurial activities. This diversification demonstrates sophisticated financial planning and business acumen that goes beyond typical athlete earnings. During her peak earning years, Serena was consistently among the world’s highest-paid athletes, earning anywhere from $40 million to $45 million annually, primarily from endorsement deals with premium brands like Nike, Gatorade, Audemars Piguet, and others. Her net worth continues to grow through her venture capital firm, fashion lines, and other business interests, making her a case study in how to build lasting wealth in the modern economy.
Prize Money
| Tournament/Category | Amount Earned | Notable Achievements |
| Total Career Prize Money | $94,816,730 | Highest-earning female tennis player |
| Grand Slam Singles | $70+ million (approx.) | 23 titles across 4 majors |
| US Open Winnings | $12+ million | 6 titles, most frequent champion |
| Australian Open Winnings | $11+ million | 7 titles, most wins at single Grand Slam |
| Wimbledon Winnings | $8+ million | 7 titles |
| French Open Winnings | $6+ million | 3 titles |
| WTA Tour Finals | $5+ million | 5 WTA Championships |
| Doubles and Mixed Doubles | $8+ million | 14 Grand Slam doubles titles |
| Olympic Prize Money | $1+ million | 4 gold medals |
| First Professional Match (1995) | $240 | Quebec City qualifier |
| First Grand Slam Prize (1999 US Open) | $750,000 | Age 17 breakthrough |
Endorsements
Serena Williams stands as one of the most sought-after athletes for global brand partnerships, commanding premium endorsement deals across luxury, athletic, and consumer goods sectors:
- Nike: An 8-year, $55 million partnership that revolutionized women’s sports fashion with custom-designed performance wear and iconic on-court fashion moments
- Gatorade: Long-term partnership focusing on sports hydration and performance, positioning Serena as an ambassador for athletic excellence
- Wilson Sporting Goods: Official racquet sponsor throughout most of her career, providing equipment and brand partnership
- Audemars Piguet: Luxury watch brand partnership since 2014, with Serena sporting their Royal Oak timepieces during major tournaments and public appearances
- Gucci: High-fashion luxury partnership featuring Serena in campaigns and wearing exclusive pieces at major events
- Lincoln (Ford Motor Company): Automobile brand partnership positioning her as a luxury lifestyle ambassador
- Beats by Dre: Premium audio equipment brand alignment with her lifestyle and music interests
- JP Morgan Chase: Financial services partnership emphasizing wealth management and investment acumen
- Michelob Ultra: Beverage brand partnership, notably featuring Serena in Super Bowl advertisements
- Disney: Featured in iconic “Going to Disney World” commercials, a coveted position for global athletes
- Block Inc.: Fintech company partnership promoting financial access and digital innovation
- Tonal: Smart home gym equipment brand, reflecting her interest in fitness technology
At her peak, Serena earned between $15 million to $45 million annually from endorsements, with some sources suggesting annual endorsement revenue exceeded $90 million when combining all partnerships. These deals extended well beyond her retirement in 2022, demonstrating the lasting power of her brand and personal influence. Her fashion sense and willingness to challenge conventions in on-court attire made her uniquely valuable to premium brands seeking aspirational female ambassadors.
Career Records
| Record Category | Number | Details |
| Grand Slam Singles Titles | 23 | Open Era record; 2nd all-time |
| WTA Tour Singles Titles | 73 | Rank among highest-earning female player |
| Career Singles Record | 858-156 | 85% win rate (among highest in Open Era) |
| Career Doubles Record | 190-34 | Golden Slam in doubles (all 4 majors + Olympics) |
| Weeks as World No. 1 | 319 weeks | 3rd most of all time |
| Grand Slam Match Wins | 367 | 2nd most behind Roger Federer |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 4 | 1 singles, 3 doubles |
| Consecutive Weeks at No. 1 | 186 weeks | 6th longest streak (2014-2016) |
| Titles Won After Age 30 | 10 | Record for sustained dominance |
| vs Top 10 Players | 177 wins | Dominance against elite competition |
| Major Defeats of World No. 1 | 17 times | Ability to beat top-ranked players |
| Longest Match Winning Streak | 34 matches | (2014-2015 season) |
Head-to-Head Records Against Notable Rivals
| Opponent | H2H Record | Notable Facts |
| Venus Williams (Sister) | 19-12 | 31 total matches; 9 Grand Slam finals |
| Maria Sharapova | 20-2 | Won 19 consecutive matches after 2004 |
| Victoria Azarenka | 18-5 | Most competitive rivalry of 2010s |
| Justine Henin | 8-6 | Close matches; both versatile players |
| Jennifer Capriati | 10-7 | Early career rival |
| Ana Ivanovic | 9-1 | Dominant record |
| Martina Hingis | 7-6 | First Grand Slam opponent in final |
FAQs
1. How many Grand Slam titles did Serena Williams win?
Serena won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most of any player in the Open Era and the second-most of all time, surpassed only by Margaret Court’s 24. She also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, primarily with her sister Venus, and achieved the rare feat of completing a Career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.
2. What is Serena Williams’ current net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Serena’s net worth is approximately $350 million, making her the wealthiest female athlete in history. Only about $95 million came from tennis prize money; the remainder comes from endorsements, venture capital investments, real estate, and business ventures, showcasing her diverse financial portfolio.
3. When did Serena Williams retire from professional tennis?
Serena never formally used the word “retirement.” Instead, she announced in August 2022 that she was “evolving away from tennis.” Her last professional match was on September 2, 2022, at the US Open, where she lost in the third round to Australia’s Ajla Tomljanović. She remains involved in tennis through investment and mentorship rather than competition.
4. Who is Serena Williams married to, and do they have children?
Serena married Alexis Ohanian, Reddit’s co-founder, on November 16, 2017, in New Orleans. They have two daughters: Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. (born September 1, 2017), and Adira River Ohanian (born August 15, 2023). Their relationship began in May 2015 when they serendipitously met at a hotel in Rome.
5. What is Serena Ventures, and what is its mission?
Serena Ventures is a venture capital firm founded by Serena Williams in 2017, raising $111 million for its inaugural fund. The firm invests in early-stage technology and lifestyle companies with a focus on social impact, backing 60+ companies of which 14 have achieved unicorn status. Its explicit mission is to champion diverse, creative founders, particularly women and people of color, transforming the traditionally homogeneous venture capital landscape.
6. How much did Serena Williams earn from tennis prize money during her career?
Serena earned approximately $94.8 million in career prize money, more than any other female tennis player in history. Her highest single-year earnings came in 2013, when she won $12.4 million in prize money, a record in women’s tennis that stood for over a decade.
7. What major endorsement deals has Serena Williams signed?
Serena’s endorsement portfolio includes Nike ($55 million for 8 years), Gatorade, Wilson, Audemars Piguet, Gucci, Lincoln, Beats by Dre, JP Morgan Chase, Disney, Michelob Ultra, Tonal, and Block Inc. At her peak, she earned $40-45 million annually from endorsements alone.
8. What is Serena Williams’ head-to-head record against her sister Venus?
Serena’s all-time head-to-head record against Venus is 19-12, including a remarkable 7-2 advantage in Grand Slam finals. They met 31 times professionally between 1998 and 2020, with their matches often among the most watched tennis events globally.
9. How old is Serena Williams, and what are her current activities?
Born on September 26, 1981, Serena is 44 years old as of 2026. She is actively involved in her venture capital firm Serena Ventures, her fashion and beauty brands (S by Serena, Serena Williams Jewelry, WYN Beauty), Nine Two Six Productions, and various sports ownership stakes. In December 2025, she clarified she is not returning to competitive tennis despite registering with the sport’s drug-testing body.
10. What makes Serena Williams’ approach to venture capital unique?
Serena’s VC approach prioritizes social impact and diversity, focusing on “everyday lives of everyday people” rather than niche luxury markets. With 79% of portfolio founders from underrepresented groups and explicit commitment to backing women and founders of color, Serena Ventures represents a deliberate departure from traditional venture capital’s homogeneity, combining financial returns with meaningful social change.