Serena Williams's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Serena Williams.

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.

Sections (6)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

2004: Family Circle and Prudential Financial Award

In 2004, Serena Williams won the "Family Circle and Prudential Financial Player Who Makes a Difference Award".

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.

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: 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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

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: Named Greatest Female Tennis Player of the Open Era by BBC Sport

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, with $27 million in prize money and endorsements. This underscored her financial success and prominence in sports.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

2022: McEnroe Calls Williams the "GOAT of GOATs"

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

2023: NAACP Jackie Robinson Sports Award

In 2023, Serena Williams received the Jackie Robinson Sports Award from the NAACP.

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.