History of Serena Williams in Timeline
Serena Williams is a retired American professional tennis player widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. She held the world No. 1 ranking for 319 weeks, finishing as the year-end No. 1 five times. Williams won 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including a record-breaking 23 major women's singles titles in the Open Era, second-most of all time. Notably, she is the only player to have achieved a Career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles, solidifying her place in tennis history.
1931: Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year Award
Since the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year awards were first handed out in 1931, only Evert and Babe Didrikson have been chosen more often as Athlete of the Year than Serena Williams.
September 26, 1981: Serena Williams' Birth
On September 26, 1981, Serena Jameka Williams was born. She later became a professional tennis player renowned for holding the world No. 1 ranking by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for 319 weeks, the third-most of all time.
1984: Past Surface Slam Win
In 1984, Martina Navratilova was the first to win the "Surface Slam". This achievement was later matched by Serena Williams.
1991: Ranked No. 1 in Florida
By 1991, Serena Williams had a 46–3 record on the United States Tennis Association junior tour and was ranked No. 1 among under-10 players in Florida. This marked her early success and potential in the sport.
1993: Past Surface Slam Win
In 1993, Steffi Graf was the first to win the "Surface Slam". This achievement was later matched by Serena Williams.
October 1994: Martina Hingis turns professional
In October 1994, Martina Hingis turned professional, less than a year before Serena Williams. This marked the beginning of Hingis's professional tennis career.
October 1995: First Professional Event
In October 1995, Serena Williams participated in her first professional event at the Bell Challenge in Quebec, where she used a wild-card entry to circumvent age-eligibility rules. She lost in the first qualifying round to Annie Miller.
1995: Turned Professional
In 1995, Serena Williams turned professional, beginning her journey in the world of professional tennis under the coaching of her parents, Oracene Price and Richard Williams.
1995: Past Surface Slam Win
In 1995, Steffi Graf was the first to win the "Surface Slam". This achievement was later matched by Serena Williams.
1995: Stopped National Junior Tournaments
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. This decision was influenced by a desire to avoid burnout and to address experiences of racism during tournaments.
1996: Past Surface Slam Win
In 1996, Steffi Graf was the first to win the "Surface Slam". This achievement was later matched by Serena Williams.
1996: Graf's Top Ranking
In 2014, Serena Williams held the top ranking for the entire calendar year, a feat not accomplished since Graf achieved it in 1996.
1996: Did Not Play
Serena Williams did not play in 1996, taking a break before her return to professional tennis.
November 1997: First Main-Draw Match Win
In November 1997, Serena Williams won her first main-draw match at the Ameritech Cup Chicago. She upset Mary Pierce and Monica Seles, becoming the lowest-ranked player in the Open Era to defeat two top-10 opponents in one tournament.
1997: Lowest ranking since 1997
In 2006, Williams finished the year ranked No.95, her lowest year-end ranking since 1997.
1998: First Grand Slam Main Draw
In 1998, Serena Williams competed in her first main draw of a Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open, marking a significant step in her professional career.
1998: First Match Against Martina Hingis at Miami Open
In 1998, Serena Williams first played against Martina Hingis at the Miami Open. Hingis won the match in three sets.
1998: Won Mixed Doubles Majors
In 1998, Serena Williams won two mixed doubles majors, marking her achievements in both women's and mixed doubles categories. This demonstrated her versatility and skill in different formats of tennis.
1998: Fails to qualify for year-end championship since 1998.
In 2005, Serena Williams failed to qualify for the year-end championship for the first time since 1998.
February 1999: First Professional Singles Title
In February 1999, Serena Williams won her first professional singles title at the Open Gaz de France in Paris, marking a significant milestone in her career.
1999: Graduation from Driftwood Academy and Puma Endorsement Deal
In 1999, Serena Williams graduated from Driftwood Academy and soon after signed a $12 million endorsement deal with Puma.
1999: Match Against Martina Hingis in Rome
In 1999, Serena Williams played Martina Hingis on clay in Rome. Hingis won the match in straight sets.
1999: Won First Major Singles Title at US Open
In 1999, Serena Williams won her first major singles title at the US Open. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career, establishing her as a prominent player in the world of tennis.
1999: US Open Win and Fed Cup Title
In 1999, Serena Williams won the US Open, becoming the second African-American woman to win a Grand Slam singles tournament. She also helped the US win the Fed Cup final, ending the year ranked No.4.
1999: Beginning of rivalry with Jennifer Capriati
In 1999, the rivalry between Serena Williams and Jennifer Capriati began, which was once considered one of the best rivalries in women's tennis. Capriati initially won four of the first five matches.
1999: Drops out of the top 10 for the first time since 1999.
In 2004, losing the Wimbledon final caused Serena to drop out of the top 10 for the first time since 1999.
2000: Wimbledon and Olympics Success
In 2000, Serena Williams and her sister Venus won the doubles title at Wimbledon. She then won the gold medal in doubles at the Sydney Olympics. Serena ended the year by winning the Toyota Princess Cup and finishing at No. 6.
2000: Richard Williams Speaks on Unique Path
When asked in 2000 whether it would have been more beneficial for them to have followed the normal path of playing regularly on the junior circuit, Richard Williams responded, "Everyone does different things. I think for Venus and I, we just attempted a different road, and it worked for us."
2001: Career Grand Slam and Boycott
In 2001, Serena Williams and Venus won the doubles at the Australian Open, completing a "Career Grand Slam". Richard Williams stated that racist comments were made to him by spectators at the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, resulting in Serena and Venus boycotting the event.
2001: First Grand Slam loss since 2001
In 2003, Serena Williams lost in the semifinals to eventual champion Henin at the French Open; this was Williams's first loss in a Grand Slam tournament since 2001.
2001: First season since 2001 without a Grand Slam singles tournament win.
In 2004, Serena Williams concluded the season ranked No.7, marking the first season since 2001 without a Grand Slam singles tournament win.
2002: Last Match Against Martina Hingis at Miami Open
In 2002, Serena Williams and Martina Hingis played their last match against each other at the Miami Open, with Williams winning the match. Serena Williams leads the rivalry 7-6.
2002: Miami Masters Win and Top Ranking
In 2002, Serena Williams won the Miami Masters, becoming only the second player in the Open Era to defeat the world's top 3 ranked players at the same event. This win solidified her position as a top player in the sport.
2002: Holding Four Major Singles Titles
In 2002-2003, Serena Williams simultaneously held all four major singles titles, demonstrating her dominance in the sport. This achievement placed her among the greats in tennis history.
2002: Wins Family Circle Cup, her first clay-court title since 2002.
In 2008, Serena Williams won the Family Circle Cup, her first clay-court title since 2002.
2002: Dominance Begins
Starting in 2002 at the French Open, Serena Williams began a period of dominance, winning four consecutive major singles titles, each time defeating her sister Venus in the final, to achieve a non-calendar year Grand Slam, famously known as the "Serena Slam".
2003: Holding Four Major Singles Titles
In 2002-2003, Serena Williams simultaneously held all four major singles titles, demonstrating her dominance in the sport. This achievement placed her among the greats in tennis history.
2003: Wins Open Gaz de France and Wimbledon
In 2003, Serena Williams captured the singles titles at the Open Gaz de France and the Sony Ericsson Open. Despite a loss in the French Open semifinals and a controversial match against Henin, she rebounded to win her second consecutive Wimbledon title, marking her sixth Grand Slam singles title overall. She underwent knee surgery in early August and was expected to be in recovery for six to eight weeks.
2003: Continued Dominance
In 2003, Serena Williams continued her dominance by winning the Australian Open, marking the completion of her non-calendar year Grand Slam (the "Serena Slam"), having won all four major singles titles consecutively.
2003: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
In 2003, Serena Williams posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
2003: Awards from Avon Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters
In 2003, Serena Williams received a Celebrity Role Model Award from the Avon Foundation for her work fighting breast cancer and won the "Young Heroes Award" from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater L.A. and Inland.
2003: Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year
In 2003, Serena Williams won the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year.
2003: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
In 2003, Serena Williams won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, recognizing her achievements and impact in the world of sports.
2003: Wins Australian Open, completing Career Grand Slam
In 2003, at the Australian Open, Serena Williams defeated Venus Williams, marking her fourth consecutive Grand Slam tournament final against her sister. This victory made her the sixth woman in the Open Era to achieve a Career Grand Slam. She also became the fifth woman to simultaneously hold all Grand Slam singles titles, an accomplishment dubbed the "Serena Slam". Additionally, the Williams sisters secured their sixth Grand Slam doubles title as a team at this tournament.
2003: NAACP President's Award
In 2003, the NAACP honored Serena Williams with its President's Award for her activism.
2003: Finishes year as No.7 and top-ranked American for the first time since 2003
In 2007, Serena Williams finished the year as No.7 and the top-ranked American for the first time since 2003.
2003: Returns to No.1 for the first time since 2003.
In 2008, Serena Williams returned to No.1 for the first time since 2003 after capturing her third US Open title.
March 2004: Wins NASDAQ-100 Open, Loses Wimbledon final.
In March 2004, after an eight-month break, Serena Williams won the NASDAQ-100 Open for the third consecutive year. She lost to Capriati in the quarterfinals of the French Open and was defeated by Maria Sharapova in the Wimbledon final. Later in the summer, she lost to Lindsay Davenport at the JPMorgan Chase Open in Los Angeles.
2004: US Open Outfit
In 2004, Serena Williams arrived at the US Open in a denim skirt and knee-high leg wraps, which she was not allowed to wear during matches.
2004: First Meeting and Wimbledon Final Loss to Sharapova
In 2004, Serena Williams first defeated Maria Sharapova at the Miami Open. Later in 2004, Williams lost to Sharapova in the Wimbledon final, where Williams was the two-time defending champion, marking a significant upset.
2004: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
In 2004, Serena Williams posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
2004: Five-Year Deal with Nike
In 2004, Serena Williams signed a five-year deal with Nike for $40 million, and has been sponsored by the company ever since.
2004: Family Circle and Prudential Financial Award
In 2004, Serena Williams won the "Family Circle and Prudential Financial Player Who Makes a Difference Award".
2004: Wins China Open, Finishes Season Ranked No.7
In 2004, Serena Williams won the China Open in September, defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova. She qualified for the Tour Championships in Los Angeles but lost to Maria Sharapova in the final, sustaining an abdominal injury. Williams concluded the season ranked No.7, marking the first season since 2001 without a Grand Slam singles tournament win.
2004: Controversial US Open Quarterfinal Loss
In 2004, at the US Open, Serena Williams faced Jennifer Capriati in a controversial quarterfinal match. A series of disputed calls by umpire Mariana Alves, which video replays later showed to be incorrect, led to Williams's defeat. Although Williams acknowledged her own errors, she felt cheated and accused Alves of temporary insanity. This controversy spurred the adoption of new technology like MacCAM and Hawk-Eye systems in tennis.
2005: Charity Tour with Venus for Ronald McDonald House
In 2004 and 2005, Serena and Venus Williams visited hospitals and played several tennis matches in predominantly Black cities to raise funds for the local Ronald McDonald House charities. An ESPN episode was dedicated to the charity tour.
2005: Publication of 'Venus & Serena: Serving From The Hip'
In 2005, Serena Williams and her sister Venus co-authored the book "Venus & Serena: Serving From The Hip: 10 Rules For Living, Loving and Winning" with Hilary Beard.
2005: Brief Switch to Wilson nCode Racket
In 2005, Serena Williams briefly switched to the Wilson nCode racket.
2005: Wins Australian Open
In 2005, after Venus Williams's early exit from the Australian Open, Serena Williams dismissed notions of a decline in their tennis prowess. She defeated top seed Davenport to secure her second Australian Open trophy and seventh Grand Slam singles title, elevating her ranking to No.2. An ankle injury caused her to miss the French Open. She finished the year ranked No.11.
2005: Earliest Wimbledon Elimination
In 2014, Cornet defeated Williams in the third round of Wimbledon, handing Williams her earliest Wimbledon elimination since 2005.
2006: Faces Depression and Returns to Tennis
In 2006, after losing at the Australian Open, Serena Williams disclosed an injury and later revealed her struggle with depression. She took a six-month hiatus from tennis, seeking therapy. Motivated by a young fan, she returned in Cincinnati in July, achieving semifinal finishes in Cincinnati and Los Angeles. Despite needing a wildcard for the US Open, she reached the fourth round. She finished the year ranked No.95, her lowest since 1997.
2007: WTA Championship Title
In 2007, Henin defended the WTA Championship Title. Serena Williams went undefeated at the WTA Championships in 2013, triumphing over Li Na in the final and becoming the first person to defend the title since Henin in 2007
2007: Confidence and Sponsorship Pressure
In 2007, Serena Williams expressed renewed confidence and a goal to regain the top ranking, which was met with skepticism. She experienced a quarterfinal loss at the Hobart International. Prior to the Australian Open, Nike threatened to cancel her sponsorship if she did not perform well, setting a minimum target of reaching the quarterfinals.
2007: Comeback of the Year
In 2007, Serena Williams won the Comeback of the Year award, recognizing her resilience and successful return to form after facing injuries and challenges.
2007: Wins Sony Ericsson Open, Injured at Wimbledon, Finishes year as No.7
In 2007, Serena Williams won the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. She collapsed due to muscle spasms during a match at Wimbledon and later lost in the quarterfinals. She also lost in the US Open quarterfinals. After an injury at the Kremlin Cup, she withdrew from the WTA Championships. Despite these challenges, Williams finished the year as No.7 and the top-ranked American for the first time since 2003.
2007: Return to Form
Starting in 2007, Serena Williams gradually returned to form despite facing continued injuries. She successfully reclaimed the world No. 1 singles ranking, marking a significant comeback in her career.
2008: Loses Wimbledon Final but wins US Open and Olympic Gold
In 2008, Serena Williams reached the Wimbledon finals for the first time in four years but lost to Venus. However, they won the doubles title. At the Beijing Olympics, Williams lost in singles but won gold in doubles with Venus. She then captured her third US Open title, returning to No.1 for the first time since 2003. She ended 2008 ranked No.2.
2008: Wins Hopman Cup, Bangalore and Miami Titles, Family Circle Cup
In 2008, Serena Williams won the Hopman Cup for the US. At the Australian Open, she lost in the quarterfinals. She then won three consecutive singles titles at Bangalore and her fifth Miami title. She won the Family Circle Cup, her first clay-court title since 2002. A back injury caused her to withdraw in Rome, and she lost in the third round of the French Open.
2008: Funding of Serena Williams Secondary School
In 2008, as part of the Serena Williams Foundation's work, Williams helped to fund the construction of the Serena Williams Secondary School in Matooni, Kenya.
2008: Beginning of Rivalry with Victoria Azarenka
In 2008, the rivalry between Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka began at the Australian Open.
2008: Began Using Wilson Blade Rackets
Since 2008, Serena Williams has used various iterations of the Wilson Blade racket.
August 2009: Minority Ownership of Miami Dolphins
In August 2009, Serena and Venus Williams became minority owners of the Miami Dolphins, marking them as the first African-American women to hold ownership in an NFL franchise.
2009: Non-Calendar Year Grand Slam
Between the 2009 Wimbledon Championships and the 2010 French Open, Serena and Venus Williams achieved a non-calendar year Grand Slam in doubles, which granted them the doubles world No. 1 ranking.
2009: Held All Four Major Doubles Titles
From 2009–2010, Serena and Venus Williams simultaneously held all four major women's doubles titles, further showcasing their prowess as a formidable doubles team.
2009: Wins Doubles Title, WTA Tour Championships and Awarded Athlete of the Year
In 2009, Serena Williams and Venus won their third Grand Slam doubles title of the year at the US Open. She won all her round-robin matches at the WTA Tour Championships and defeated Venus in the final. Williams finished the year ranked No.1 for the second time in her career and broke the record for most prize money earned by a female tennis player in one year. She was named Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press and International Tennis Federation World Champion in both singles and doubles.
2009: Launch of Signature Statement Collection
In 2009, Serena Williams launched Signature Statement, a signature collection of handbags and jewelry, sold mainly on the Home Shopping Network.
2009: Release of Autobiography 'On the Line' and Tampax Pearl Ad Campaign
In 2009, Serena Williams released her autobiography, "On the Line". The same year, she appeared in online videos and print advertisements for Tampax Pearl tampons, becoming the first active female professional athlete to advertise a feminine hygiene product.
2009: Wins Australian Open and regains No.1 Ranking
In 2009, Serena Williams won her tenth Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, defeating Safina. This victory restored her No.1 ranking and made her the all-time career prize money leader in women's sports. She and Venus also won the doubles event. She withdrew from a semifinal match in Paris due to a knee injury and lost to Venus in the Dubai semifinals.
2010: Non-Calendar Year Grand Slam
Between the 2009 Wimbledon Championships and the 2010 French Open, Serena and Venus Williams achieved a non-calendar year Grand Slam in doubles, which granted them the doubles world No. 1 ranking.
2010: Held All Four Major Doubles Titles
From 2009–2010, Serena and Venus Williams simultaneously held all four major women's doubles titles, further showcasing their prowess as a formidable doubles team.
2010: Controversial US Open Semifinal
In 2009, During the US Open semifinal match against Clijsters, Serena Williams received a racket abuse warning and was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct after verbally abusing a lineswoman, resulting in Clijsters winning the match. She was fined $10,500 initially, and later the Grand Slam Committee fined her $175,000 with a two-year probation, which could have led to suspension from the 2010 US Open if another offense was committed. Williams eventually apologized.
2010: Nail Technician Certification
In 2010, Serena Williams became a certified nail technician in preparation for her upcoming nail collection with HairTech.
2010: Wins Australian Open and Defends Doubles Title
In 2010, Serena Williams lost in the Sydney final to Dementieva but won her twelfth Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, defeating Justine Henin. She and Venus also successfully defended their doubles title. A leg injury caused her to sit out several events, but she returned for the Rome Masters. She won the doubles title at Madrid with Venus.
2010: Second Laureus World Sports Award
In 2010, Serena Williams won the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year for the second time.
2010: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
In 2010, Serena Williams won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, recognizing her achievements and impact in the world of sports.
2010: Assisted Haiti Earthquake Victims
In 2010, in response to the Haiti earthquake, Serena Williams, along with other ATP and WTA stars, decided to forgo their final day of preparation for the Australian Open to assist earthquake victims.
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.
2011: Novak Djokovic Earnings
In 2011, Novak Djokovic earned more money in one season than Serena Williams in 2013. Only Rafael Nadal (in 2013), and Novak Djokovic (in 2011, 2012 and 2013) have earned more money in one season.
2011: International Goodwill Ambassador with UNICEF
In 2011, Serena Williams became an International Goodwill Ambassador with UNICEF and helped launch UNICEF's Schools for Asia campaign.
2011: Return to WTA Tour and US Open Controversy
In 2011, Serena Williams returned to the WTA tour after almost a year, losing in Eastbourne. She was eliminated early at Wimbledon, dropping her ranking significantly. She won titles in Stanford and Toronto but withdrew from the Western & Southern Open due to injury. At the US Open 2011, she lost to Stosur amidst controversy involving umpire Eve Asderaki, resulting in a fine but no suspension. She ended the year ranked No.12.
2012: Return to Dominance
Beginning with the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, Serena Williams returned to dominance. She claimed Olympic gold, completing the career Golden Slam in singles, and won eight out of thirteen singles majors.
2012: Novak Djokovic Earnings
In 2012, Novak Djokovic earned more money in one season than Serena Williams in 2013. Only Rafael Nadal (in 2013), and Novak Djokovic (in 2011, 2012 and 2013) have earned more money in one season.
2012: Wimbledon Singles and Doubles Titles
In 2012, Serena Williams won her fifth Wimbledon singles title (her 14th Grand Slam victory) and became the first female player to serve 24 aces in a match. She also set a record for the most aces in a tournament. Serena and Venus Williams also captured their fifth trophy in Wimbledon doubles.
2013: Third-Fastest Serve in WTA History
At the 2013 Australian Open, Serena Williams delivered the third-fastest serve in WTA recorded history, a 128.6 mph ace against Ayumi Morita.
2013: Year-End No.1 Ranking and Awards
In 2013, Serena Williams finished as the year-end No.1 for the third time, becoming the oldest No.1 player in WTA history. She was named the ITF World Champion for the fourth time and received two prizes at the ESPY Awards. She also received the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year award.
2013: Second French Open Title and 50th Career Singles Title
In 2013, Serena Williams won her 50th career singles title in Madrid, prevailing over Sharapova in the final. At the French Open 2013, Williams lost only one game whilst defeating Sara Errani in the semifinal. She then bested Sharapova in the final to claim her second French Open title and her 16th Grand Slam title overall.
2013: Third Rogers Cup Title and US Open Victory
In 2013, Serena Williams won her third Rogers Cup title in Toronto and reached the final of the Western & Southern Open. At the US Open 2013, she defeated Azarenka, capturing her 17th Grand Slam singles title and pushing her career prize winnings past $50 million. She also won the China Open and went undefeated at the WTA Championships.
2014: Second Serena Slam
From 2014–2015, Serena Williams won all four major singles titles in a row, achieving a second "Serena Slam," marking another period of significant dominance in her career.
2014: Hosted "The Serena Williams Ultimate Fun Run"
In 2014, Serena Williams began hosting an annual charity run named "The Serena Williams Ultimate Fun Run" to support the Williams Sisters Fund.
2014: Founding of Serena Ventures
In 2014, Serena Williams founded Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in start-up companies that promote equality for women and people of color.
2014: Sixth US Open Singles Title and WTA Finals Title
In 2014, Serena Williams won her third consecutive and sixth overall US Open singles title, tying Evert for most US Open singles titles won by a woman in the Open Era. She also tied Evert and Navratilova's record of 18 career Grand Slam singles titles won in the Open Era. Williams then claimed the WTA Finals title and finished the year ranked No.1 for the fourth time in her career.
2014: Holding Four Major Singles Titles
In 2014-2015, Serena Williams simultaneously held all four major singles titles, demonstrating her dominance in the sport. This achievement placed her among the greats in tennis history.
December 2015: Sportsperson of the Year
In December 2015, Serena Williams was named Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated magazine, recognizing her outstanding achievements and impact in the world of sports.
2015: Second Serena Slam
From 2014-2015, Serena Williams won all four major singles titles in a row, achieving a second "Serena Slam," marking another period of significant dominance in her career.
2015: Holding Four Major Singles Titles
In 2014-2015, Serena Williams simultaneously held all four major singles titles, demonstrating her dominance in the sport. This achievement placed her among the greats in tennis history.
2015: Chief Sporting Officer for Aston Martin
In 2015, Serena Williams became the Chief Sporting Officer for British luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin.
2015: Third French Open and Sixth Wimbledon Titles
In 2015, Serena Williams defeated Lucie Šafářová to win her third French Open and 20th Grand Slam singles title. She then defeated Muguruza to claim her sixth Wimbledon singles title and 21st Grand Slam singles title overall, completing her second "Serena Slam".
2015: Sixth Australian Open Singles Title and 700 Match Wins
In 2015, Serena Williams defeated Sharapova to claim her sixth Australian Open singles title and 19th career Grand Slam singles title. She then became the eighth woman in the Open Era to record 700 match wins in her career and went on to win a record eighth title in Miami.
2015: End of Indian Wells Boycott
In 2015, Serena Williams ended her boycott of the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells, which she had maintained since 2001 due to racist comments made to her family during the tournament.
2015: Return to Indian Wells
In 2015, Serena Williams returned to Indian Wells after a 14-year boycott, partnering with the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit organization providing legal representation to those denied a fair trial.
2015: Fed Cup Loss and Madrid Open Defeat
In 2015, Williams and teammate Alison Riske lost the decisive doubles match in the Fed Cup, and in the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open, Williams suffered her first defeat of the season. She also played one match at the 2015 Internazionali BNL d'Italia before withdrawing with an elbow injury.
September 5, 2016: Tied with Graf for Longest Run at No. 1
On September 5, 2016, Serena Williams tied Steffi Graf for the longest consecutive run as the world's No. 1 ranked female tennis player, marking her 186th consecutive week at the top.
December 10, 2016: Engagement to Alexis Ohanian
On December 10, 2016, Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit, proposed to Serena Williams.
2016: Eligibility for Summer Olympics
In 2015, As preparation for the clay-court season (and to ensure her eligibility for the 2016 Summer Olympics), Williams travelled to Brindisi, Italy, where she competed with that country's team for a place in the Fed Cup's World Group.
2016: Founded the Yetunde Price Resource Center
In 2016, Serena Williams and Venus Williams founded the Yetunde Price Resource Center in their childhood home of Compton, in honor of their late half-sister Yetunde.
2016: Open Letter on Gender Equality
In 2016, Serena Williams penned an open letter in Porter Magazine, advocating for gender equality and sharing her experiences as a woman in tennis, highlighting unequal pay and unrecognized contributions.
2016: Support for Black Lives Matter
In 2016, Serena Williams voiced her support for the Black Lives Matter movement on her Facebook page, expressing concern for her nephew's safety due to his skin color.
2016: Highest Paid Woman Athlete
In 2016, Serena Williams was the world's highest-paid woman athlete, earning almost $29 million. This recognition highlighted her success and marketability in the world of sports.
2016: Third Laureus World Sports Award
In 2016, Serena Williams won the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year for the third time.
2016: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
In 2016, Serena Williams won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, recognizing her achievements and impact in the world of sports.
2016: Li Na Notes Williams's Ability to Serve Aces on Break Points
In 2016, retired player Li Na noted that when Serena Williams faced a break point, there was an 80% chance she would serve an ace.
April 19, 2017: Pregnancy Announcement
On April 19, 2017, Serena Williams announced that she was 20 weeks pregnant and would miss the remainder of the tennis season. She also revealed she was pregnant when she won the Australian Open earlier that year.
September 1, 2017: Birth of Daughter
On September 1, 2017, Serena Williams gave birth to her daughter. Following the delivery, she suffered a pulmonary embolism which required her to stay bedridden for six weeks, delaying her return to training.
November 16, 2017: Wedding to Alexis Ohanian
On November 16, 2017, Serena Williams married Alexis Ohanian in New Orleans. The wedding ceremony was attended by prominent personalities such as Beyoncé, Anna Wintour, Kelly Rowland and Kim Kardashian.
2017: 23rd Major Singles Title
At the 2017 Australian Open, Serena Williams won her 23rd major singles title, surpassing Steffi Graf's Open Era record and further cementing her legacy in the world of tennis.
2017: Statement on Faith
In 2017, Serena Williams said she "never really practiced [the Jehovah's Witness faith]".
2017: Only Woman on Forbes' List
In 2017, Serena Williams was the only woman on Forbes' list of the 100 highest-paid athletes, with $27 million in prize money and endorsements. This underscored her financial success and prominence in sports.
2017: Ambassador for the Allstate Foundation's Purple Purse project
In 2017, Williams became an Ambassador for the Allstate Foundation's Purple Purse project, an initiative aimed at financially empowering domestic abuse victims.
2017: Wilson Blade SW104 Signature Racket
Since 2017, Wilson has manufactured a signature racket for Serena Williams, called the Wilson Blade SW104, which is designed to Williams's specifications.
January 5, 2018: Withdrawal from Australian Open
On January 5, 2018, Serena Williams withdrew from the upcoming Australian Open, citing insufficient preparation following her pregnancy and related health complications.
2018: Joined SurveyMonkey Board of Directors
In 2018, Serena Williams joined the board of directors of SurveyMonkey.
2018: French Open Catsuit Controversy and US Open Tutu
In 2018, Serena Williams promoted her clothing line Serena by wearing a catsuit at the French Open, which was subsequently banned. At the 2018 US Open, Williams wore a black tutu during her first match.
2018: Response to Tennys Sandgren's Tweets
In 2018, Serena Williams responded to insensitive tweets by American tennis player Tennys Sandgren by asserting that an apology was owed to an entire group of people affected by his words.
2018: Withdrawal from French Open
In 2018, Serena Williams withdrew from the French Open before her fourth round match, which does not officially count as a loss.
2018: Fourth Laureus World Sports Award
In 2018, Serena Williams won the Laureus World Sports Award for Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth time.
2018: Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year
In 2018, Serena Williams won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, recognizing her achievements and impact in the world of sports.
2018: Tennis.com Panel Names Williams Greatest of All Time
In 2018, a Tennis.com panel also concluded that Serena Williams is the greatest female tennis player of all time.
February 2019: Appointment to Poshmark Board of Directors
In February 2019, Serena Williams was appointed to the board of directors of the online fashion marketplace Poshmark.
February 2019: Launch of S by Serena Clothing Line
In the fall of 2019, Serena Williams launched the first collection of her clothing line S by Serena, inspired by 1990s street wear and designed for various body types and sizes.
March 2019: US Women's National Soccer Team Honors Williams
In March 2019, the members of the United States women's national soccer team each wore a jersey with the name of a woman who inspired them on the back. Crystal Dunn chose Serena Williams.
December 2019: Named Female Athlete of the Decade by Associated Press
In December 2019, the Associated Press named Serena Williams as the Female Athlete of the Decade for the 2010s.
2019: Final Match Against Sharapova at US Open
In 2019, Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova in two sets in the first round of the US Open, marking their final match against each other. Serena Williams leads the series 20-2.
July 2020: Part of Investors' Group Awarded New Franchise in National Women's Soccer League
In July 2020, Serena Williams joined a nearly all-women investors' group that was awarded a new franchise in the National Women's Soccer League.
2020: Most Recent Match Against Azarenka at US Open
In 2020, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka played their most recent match in the semifinals of the US Open.
2020: Withdrawal from French Open
In 2020, Serena Williams withdrew from the French Open before her second round match, which does not officially count as a loss.
2020: Greatest Female Tennis Player in History
In 2020, the Tennis Channel ranked Serena Williams as the greatest female tennis player in history, solidifying her legacy as one of the most dominant and influential figures in the sport.
2020: Tennis Channel Ranks Williams as Greatest Female Tennis Player
In 2020, the Tennis Channel ranked Serena Williams as the greatest female tennis player in history.
2020: Began Using Wilson Blade SW102 Autograph Racket
Since 2020, Serena Williams has used a smaller variant of her signature racket, called the Wilson Blade SW102 Autograph.
February 2021: Hired Tennis Coach for Daughter
By February 2021, Serena Williams had hired a tennis coach for her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., who was three years old at the time.
2021: Executive Producer for 'King Richard'
In 2021, Serena Williams and Venus Williams served as executive producers on the film 'King Richard', a biopic about their father.
August 2022: Announcement of Impending 'Evolution' from Tennis
In August 2022, Serena Williams announced her impending "evolution" away from professional tennis. This announcement signaled the end of her illustrious career, as she prepared for her final matches.
September 2022: Most Tweeted-About Female Athlete
In September 2022, Twitter announced that Serena Williams was the most tweeted-about female athlete of all time.
September 2022: Announcement of Retirement Plans
In the September 2022 issue of Vogue, Serena Williams announced her plans to "evolve away" from tennis after the 2022 US Open, indicating her retirement to focus on family and her venture capital firm.
2022: Serena Ventures Funds Raised
As of 2022, Serena Ventures had raised more than $110 million.
2022: McEnroe Calls Williams the "GOAT of GOATs"
In 2022, McEnroe described Serena Williams as an "icon" and the "GOAT of GOATs".
2022: Coached by Eric Hechtman and Rennae Stubbs
In 2022, Serena Williams was coached by Eric Hechtman and Rennae Stubbs.
2022: Angel City FC began playing
In 2022, the team co-owned by Serena Williams began playing as Angel City FC.
August 2023: Birth of Second Daughter
In August 2023, Serena Williams gave birth to her second daughter, Adira River Ohanian.
2023: NAACP Jackie Robinson Sports Award
In 2023, Serena Williams received the Jackie Robinson Sports Award from the NAACP.
2023: Baptism as Jehovah's Witness
In 2023, Serena Williams was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness.
2025: Awarded Princess of Asturias Award
In 2025, Serena Williams was awarded the Princess of Asturias Award in the category of "Sport", acknowledging her significant contributions and achievements in the field of sports.
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