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 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 and finished five years as the top-ranked player. Williams amassed 73 WTA singles titles, including a record-breaking 23 major women's singles titles in the Open Era, second only to Margaret Court's all time record. Notably, she is the only player to achieve a career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles, demonstrating her unparalleled dominance and versatility in the sport.

Sections (6)

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

1931: Historical Context

In 1931, the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year awards were first handed out. Williams has won it 3 times, fewer than only Evert and Babe Didrikson.

1983: First Solo Woman Honored by Sports Illustrated Since 1983

In 1983, Serena Williams became the third solo woman, and the first since 1983, to be chosen as Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

1996: Rankings Milestone

In 1996, Graf achieved the feat of holding the top ranking for the entire calendar year. Serena Williams accomplished this feat in 2014

2000: Richard Williams' Statement

In 2000, Richard Williams reflected on the unconventional path taken by Serena and Venus, noting its success.

2013: Year-End Achievements

Serena Williams finished as the year-end No.1 for the third time in 2013, 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: Best Female Athlete and Best Female Tennis Player. In December, Williams received the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year award for the third time.

2015: Grand Slam Success and Recognition

In 2015, Serena Williams won her third French Open and 20th Grand Slam singles title, becoming the third person to win each Grand Slam at least three times. At Wimbledon, she defeated multiple former No.1 players and then bested Muguruza for her sixth Wimbledon singles title and 21st Grand Slam singles title. She completed her second "Serena Slam" and became the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam singles title. Williams was awarded her seventh ESPY for Best Female Tennis Player.

2015: End of Indian Wells Boycott

Serena Williams' boycott of the Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells ended in 2015.

2016: Highest Paid Woman Athlete

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

2017: 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: Views on Jehovah's Witness 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 earnings.

2018: Regarded as the Greatest Female Tennis Player

In 2018, a Tennis.com panel and Roger Federer both regarded Serena Williams as the greatest female tennis player of all time. Federer stated that Williams probably has the best case for "Greatest Of All Time", man or woman.

March 2019: USWNT Honors Serena Williams

In March 2019, members of the United States women's national soccer team each wore a jersey with the name of an inspiring woman on the back, with Crystal Dunn choosing Serena Williams.

2020: Greatest Female Tennis Player

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

2020: Ranked Greatest Female Tennis Player in History

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

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, acknowledging her significant influence and popularity.