Serena Williams is arguably the greatest tennis player of all time. And not just the greatest female tennis player, the greatest tennis player period. Sure, there have been other incredible players throughout time, but Willaims is just on another level. What she has managed to achieve in her sport over the course of her career is nothing short of spectacular.
From winning a whopping number of Gram Slam titles, pushing her sport further, and becoming an international sensation, there’s really nothing Williams hasn’t done. Oh, and she’s still going!. Here are some fun facts about the tennis legend that you need to know:
Started Young
Williams started playing tennis when she was just three years old in Compton, California. She and her older sister, Venus Williams, were coached by their father, Richard Williams. They then moved from Compton to West Palm Beach, Florida so they could get better training.
She Won a Grand Slam Pregnant
Countless tennis players never win a Grand Slam, but somehow Williams managed to win one while pregnant! She took home the Australian Open title in 2017 while also being about eight to nine weeks pregnant with her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.
Near-Death Experience
Williams is as fit and healthy as they come, but she was actually treated for a blood clot in her lungs back in 2011. Thankfully doctors were able to catch the blood clot quickly and performed emergency surgery.
Other Favorite Sport
When she’s not busy training on the courts, Williams’s other favorite sport to watch is gymnastics.
Family Tragedy
Yetunde Price, Williams’s oldest sister, was tragically murdered in Los Angeles in 2003. She was killed in a drive-by shooting. It turned out her boyfriend was actually the intended target.
Tied With Chris Evert
Williams has managed to win a total of 23 Grand Slam titles, but she shares the US Open Singles titles record with Chris Evert. Both women have won six U.S. Open titles in their careers.
Four-Time Gold Medalist
Along with winning countless Slam singles titles, Williams has also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and four Olympic gold medals (three in doubles, one in singles). We can’t even imagine what her trophy room looks like at home.
Surprising Taste in Music
It’s no secret athletes love to listen to music before competing, but it turns out Williams is a fan of punk rock. In fact, she is a massive fan of the band Green Day! She apparently has a number of Green Day t-shirts and has even met the band backstage at a concert.
Favorite City
Williams has managed to travel the world thanks to her career, but her favorite city in the world is Rome, Italy.
Married to a Mogul
Williams is currently married to the co-founder of Reddit, Alexis Ohanian. The couple actually got engaged in Rome back in 2016 (maybe that’s why it’s her favorite city?) and were married less than a year later in New Orleans.
Famous Friends
After being one of the biggest athletes in the world for so many years, it’s not surprising Williams has a lot of famous friends. She is close to Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, Gigi Hadid, and Meghan Markle.