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 celebrated American former professional tennis player, frequently lauded as one of the greatest of all time. She held the world No. 1 ranking by the WTA for 319 weeks, ending the year as No. 1 five times. Williams secured 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including a record-setting 23 major women's singles titles in the Open Era, the second-most overall. Notably, she is the only player to achieve a career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles, underscoring her exceptional skill and dominance in the sport.

Sections (6)

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

September 26, 1981: Serena Williams' Birth

On September 26, 1981, Serena Jameka Williams, the future American professional tennis player, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Father Takes Over Coaching

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

1999: Graduation and Puma Deal

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

2006: Australian Open Loss and Depression

In 2006, Serena Williams lost in the third round of the Australian Open and revealed she was injured. During this period, she suffered from depression and took a six-month break from tennis, seeking therapy. She returned to play in Cincinnati in July, after a chance meeting with a young fan. Williams finished the year ranked No.95, her lowest year-end ranking since 1997.

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, adding to her health challenges after stepping on broken glass in 2010.

2015: End of Indian Wells Boycott

Serena Williams' boycott of the Indian Wells tournament, stemming from racist comments in 2001, lasted until 2015.

December 10, 2016: Engagement to Alexis Ohanian

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

April 19, 2017: Pregnancy Announcement

On April 19, 2017, Serena Williams revealed that she was 20 weeks pregnant and would miss the remainder of the season. She was already pregnant when she won the Australian Open.

September 1, 2017: Birth of Daughter

On September 1, 2017, Serena Williams gave birth to a daughter and suffered a pulmonary embolism after delivery, which delayed her return to training.

November 16, 2017: Wedding to Alexis Ohanian

On November 16, 2017, Serena Williams married Alexis Ohanian in New Orleans.

2017: Says She Never Really Practiced the Faith

In 2017, Serena Williams said she "never really practiced [the Jehovah's Witness faith]".

January 2020: First Title as a Mother at ASB Classic

In January 2020, Serena Williams won her first singles title as a mother at the ASB Classic, defeating Jessica Pegula in the final.

February 2021: Hires Tennis Coach for Olympia

In February 2021, Serena Williams hired a tennis coach for her daughter, Olympia, who was three years old at the time.

August 2022: Announcement of Impending Evolution

In August 2022, Serena Williams announced her upcoming "evolution" away from professional tennis, signaling her retirement.

September 2022: Retirement Announcement in Vogue

In September 2022, Serena Williams announced her plans to "evolve away" from tennis after the 2022 US Open in the September 2022 issue of Vogue. She stated her intention to focus on her family and her venture capital firm.