Her power and athleticism helped create a new style of tennis which many found difficult to deal with.
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There are not many players who dominated tennis as Serena Williams did in over two decades. At 39, the American star is still at her lethal best, blowing aside opponents to rule the world. With 23 Grand Slam titles, she is only behind Margaret Court’s 24 trophies. A true ambassador of the sport, Serena’s impressive run continues beyond the Grand Slams. With multiple Masters titles and year-end WTA Tour Championships, Williams also has four Olympic Gold medals – three in the doubles and one in singles.
Equally efficient in the doubles, Serena with her sister Venus forms a deadly combination. The pair has won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and remains unbeaten in the Slam finals. She has a further two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. It takes her overall tally to 39 Grand Slam trophies. The incredible aspect about her victories is the ruthless manner in which she dispatches her opponents. Her offensive style makes it difficult for opponents to play against her.
Primarily a baseline player, Williams has an aggressive approach towards the game as she tries to control the rallies with her forceful groundstrokes. Serena has a good backhand but it’s the forehand which is her deadliest weapon. She arguably generates the most powerful forehand shots in the women’s game, constantly keeping her opponents at the back foot.
Besides, her powerful serves – regarded by many as the greatest in tennis history – help her win crucial points. She produces enormous pace filled with great placement, making it extremely difficult for her rivals. Serena’s service returns are equally good as she beautifully reads the movement of the ball by positioning herself brilliantly to return the ball with some authority.
After participating in her first professional event in 1995, Serena had to wait till 1998 to have her breakthrough moment. Pairing alongside Max Mirnyi, she won the mixed doubles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open. But it was in 1999, she had her first major singles trophy.
After beating defending champion Lindsay Davenport in the semifinal, Serena defeated the World No. 1 Martina Hingis to win her maiden Grand Slam title – US Open. An era of dominance began. She went on to win seven Australian Open and Wimbledon titles, three French Open trophies, and six US Open winners medal.
Serena has an astonishing hard court record, winning thirteen Grand Slams in that surface. Notably, she won a Grand Slam title on each surface – hard, clay and grass – in one calendar year, 2015. With numerous other accolades, Williams has defied her age as she continues to exert her dominance even in her late 30s. She has been the ultimate role model for budding young players and truly the greatest female player ever to grace the tennis court.
