Early Life and Education of Serena Williams: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Serena Williams. From birth to education, explore key events.

Serena Williams is a highly accomplished American former professional tennis player, renowned for her dominance in the sport. She held the world No. 1 ranking for 319 weeks and concluded the year as No. 1 on five occasions. Williams has secured 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including a record-breaking 23 major women's singles titles in the Open Era, making her second overall. Notably, she stands as the only player to have achieved a career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

September 26, 1981: Serena Williams is born

On September 26, 1981, Serena Jameka Williams, a future world No. 1 professional tennis player, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Father Takes Over Coaching

In 1995, when Serena Williams was in the ninth grade, her father pulled his daughters out of Rick Macci's academy and took over all coaching at their home.

1999: Graduated from Driftwood Academy and signed deal with Puma

In 1999, Serena Williams graduated from Driftwood Academy and signed a $12 million endorsement deal with Puma.

2003: Discovery of Yetunde's Murderer's Parole

In 2018, during the Silicon Valley Classic, Serena Williams discovered that the man who murdered her half-sister, Yetunde, in 2003 had been released on parole.

2006: 2006 Season: Injury, Depression, and Return to Tennis

In 2006, Serena Williams experienced a challenging season marked by injury and depression, leading to a six-month hiatus from tennis. She sought therapy and made her return in Cincinnati, with her ranking at No.139. By the end of the year, she had risen to No.95.

2010: Became a certified nail technician

In 2010, Serena Williams became a certified nail technician in preparation for her upcoming nail collection with HairTech.

March 2, 2011: Confirmation of hematoma and pulmonary embolism

On March 2, 2011, Serena Williams confirmed that she had suffered a hematoma and a pulmonary embolism.

2015: End of Indian Wells Boycott

In 2015, Serena Williams ended her boycott of the Indian Wells tournament, which had been in place since 2001 due to racist comments made to her father.

December 10, 2016: Alexis Ohanian proposed

On December 10, 2016, Alexis Ohanian proposed to Serena Williams.

2016: Supported Black Lives Matter on her Facebook page

In 2016, Serena Williams voiced her support for Black Lives Matter on her Facebook page, expressing concern that her young nephew could be in danger from police due to his skin color.

2016: Founded the Yetunde Price Resource Center

In 2016, in her childhood home of Compton, Serena and Venus Williams founded the Yetunde Price Resource Center, in honor of their late half-sister Yetunde.

April 19, 2017: Pregnancy Announcement

On April 19, 2017, Serena Williams revealed she was 20 weeks pregnant and would miss the remainder of the season.

September 1, 2017: Birth of Daughter

On September 1, 2017, Serena Williams gave birth to a daughter, experiencing a pulmonary embolism after delivery.

November 16, 2017: Married Alexis Ohanian

On November 16, 2017, Serena Williams married Alexis Ohanian in New Orleans. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Anna Wintour, Kelly Rowland and Kim Kardashian attended the wedding.