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, finishing as year-end No. 1 five times. Williams amassed 73 WTA Tour singles titles, including a record-breaking 23 major women's singles titles in the Open Era, second-most overall. She is the only player to achieve a career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles, solidifying her place in tennis history.

Sections (6)

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

1931: Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year award first handed out

In 1931 the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year award was first handed out. Only Evert and Babe Didrikson have been chosen more often as Athlete of the Year since.

1983: First Solo Woman to receive the award since 1983

In 1983, Serena Williams became the third solo woman, and the first since 1983, to receive the Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated. On October 5, Williams surpassed Evert for third-most weeks ranked world No.1. Williams held the top ranking the entire season for the second consecutive year, finishing there for the fifth time in her career. She was voted WTA Player of the Year for the seventh time, and named ITF World Champion for the sixth time. She was also voted Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press for the fourth time in her career, and was chosen as Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

2003: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

In 2003, Serena Williams posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

2004: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

In 2004, Serena Williams posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

2010: Wins Wimbledon and injured in Munich

In 2010, Serena Williams won Wimbledon, defeating Zvonareva in the final without losing a single set. After the match, Navratilova said Williams was among the top five female tennis players in history. On July 7, 2010, Williams stepped on broken glass while in a restaurant in Munich, causing her to miss the rest of the year. She finished 2010 ranked No.4 in singles and No.11 in doubles.

2016: Highest Paid Woman Athlete

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

2017: BBC Sport users selected Williams as the greatest female tennis player of the Open Era

In 2017, BBC Sport users selected 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: Roger Federer regarded Williams as the GOAT

In 2018, Roger Federer said Serena Williams probably has the best case for "Greatest Of All Time", man or woman.

December 2019: Associated Press Names Serena Williams Female Athlete of the Decade

In December 2019, the Associated Press named Serena Williams the Female Athlete of the Decade for the 2010s, recognizing her dominance and impact in the world of sports.

2020: Tennis Channel Ranks Serena Williams as Greatest Female Tennis Player in History

In 2020, the Tennis Channel ranked Serena Williams as the greatest female tennis player in history, cementing her status as a tennis icon.

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.

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2021: Executive Producer of "King Richard"

In 2021, Serena Williams, along with her sister Venus, served as executive producers on the film "King Richard", a biopic about their father.

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September 2022: Announcement of "Evolution Away" from Tennis

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

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, highlighting her significant cultural impact and popularity on social media.

2022: John McEnroe described Williams as the GOAT of GOATs

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

2024: International Sports Press Association (AIPS) voted her as the best female athlete of the past 100 years

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

December 2025: The Sporting News Ranks Serena Williams as Sixth Greatest Athlete of the Quarter Century

In December 2025, The Sporting News ranked Serena Williams as the sixth greatest athlete of the quarter century and the highest-ranked tennis player, solidifying her place among the sporting elite.