Lasting Legacy of Serena Williams: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Serena Williams—a timeline of influence.

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

1931: Associated Press Athlete of the Year Awards First Handed Out

Since the Associated Press 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.

1984: Martina Navratilova Wins Surface Slam

In 1984, Martina Navratilova achieved the Surface Slam, winning major titles on hard, clay, and grass courts.

1993: Steffi Graf Wins Surface Slam

In 1993, Steffi Graf achieved the Surface Slam, winning major titles on hard, clay, and grass courts.

1995: Steffi Graf Wins Surface Slam

In 1995, Steffi Graf achieved the Surface Slam, winning major titles on hard, clay, and grass courts.

1996: Steffi Graf Wins Surface Slam

In 1996, Steffi Graf achieved the Surface Slam, winning major titles on hard, clay, and grass courts.

2000: Father Addresses Junior Circuit Decision

In 2000, when asked about bypassing the junior circuit, Richard Williams defended his decision, emphasizing the unique path he chose for Venus and Serena.

2016: Highest Paid Woman Athlete

In 2016, Serena Williams was the world's highest-paid woman athlete, earning almost $29 million, marking a significant financial achievement.

2017: Selected as greatest female tennis player of the Open Era

In 2017, BBC Sport users selected Serena Williams as the greatest female tennis player of the Open Era.

2017: Only Woman on Forbes' List of Highest-Paid Athletes

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.

2018: Tennis.com panel selected as greatest female tennis player

In 2018, a Tennis.com panel arrived at the conclusion that Serena Williams is the greatest female tennis player of the Open Era.

December 2019: Named Female Athlete of the Decade by the Associated Press

In December 2019, the Associated Press named Serena Williams Female Athlete of the Decade for the 2010s.

2020: Tennis Channel ranked as greatest female tennis player

In 2020, the Tennis Channel ranked Serena Williams as the greatest female tennis player in history.

2020: Ranked Greatest Women's Tennis Player of All Time

In 2020, the Tennis Channel ranked Serena Williams as the greatest women's tennis player of all time, solidifying her legacy in the sport.

September 2022: Most tweeted-about female athlete of all time

In September 2022, Twitter announced that Serena Williams was the most tweeted-about female athlete of all time.

2022: McEnroe described Williams as "GOAT of GOATs"

In 2022, McEnroe described Serena Williams as an "icon" and the "GOAT of GOATs".

2024: Voted best female athlete of the past 100 years

In 2024, the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) voted Serena Williams as the best female athlete of the past 100 years.

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