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 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

1931: First year of the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year award

In 1931, the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year awards were first handed out. Serena Williams won the award for the third time in 2013.

1983: Last solo woman to receive Sportsperson of the Year

In 1983, the last solo woman received Sportsperson of the Year before Serena Williams in 2015.

1984: Martina Navratilova's Surface Slam

In 1984, Martina Navratilova was the first player in history to win the "Surface Slam" after winning three consecutive Grand Slam titles.

1993: Steffi Graf's Surface Slam

In 1993, Steffi Graf won the "Surface Slam" after winning three consecutive Grand Slam titles.

1995: Steffi Graf's Surface Slam

In 1995, Steffi Graf won the "Surface Slam" after winning three consecutive Grand Slam titles.

1996: Steffi Graf's Surface Slam

In 1996, Steffi Graf won the "Surface Slam" after winning three consecutive Grand Slam titles.

2000: Richard Williams Reflects on Coaching Decisions

In 2000, Richard Williams reflected on his decision to have Serena and Venus follow a different path than regularly playing on the junior circuit, stating that it worked for them.

2016: Highest Paid Woman Athlete

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

2016: Li Na comments on Serena's Aces

In 2016, retired player Li Na noted that Serena Williams has an 80% chance of serving an ace on break point down.

2017: Named 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

In 2017, Serena Williams was the only woman on Forbes' list of the 100 highest-paid athletes, earning $27 million in prize money and endorsements.

2018: Tennis.com Panel Concludes Williams is the GOAT

In 2018, a Tennis.com panel concluded that Serena Williams is the greatest female tennis player of all time.

March 2019: USWNT Honors Williams

In March 2019, members of the United States women's national soccer team each wore a jersey with the name of a woman who inspired them; Crystal Dunn chose Serena Williams.