American tennis player who won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era.
Background
Born in Saginaw, Michigan, and raised in Compton, California, Williams turned professional in 1995 and won her first Grand Slam at the 1999 US Open.
Career
She won seven Australian Opens, three French Opens, seven Wimbledons, and six US Opens. She held all four major singles titles simultaneously twice (the “Serena Slam”), in 2002–03 and 2014–15. She retired after the 2022 US Open.
Style of play
A right-handed player with a powerful first serve and groundstrokes, Williams was known for aggressive baseline play and the ability to dictate rallies with the forehand.