100 of the Most Influential Women in Sport >> Athletes

Serena Williams, USA

Tennis

It’s difficult to know where to start with Serena Williams such is the depth of her accomplishments in tennis. She is a constant reminder to all women what can be achieved through sheer force of determination and tenacity. On this list, there are women profiled who have displayed tremendous traits like leadership, courage and skill – Serena is an amalgamation of them all. The 37-year-old carries a huge responsibility on her shoulders as one of the most iconic athletes on the planet, yet it’s a duty she not only welcomes but embraces and thrives upon. It doesn’t matter whether she is battling rivals, racism or sexism, Serena is victorious and the magnitude of her success is incredibly compelling. Her numbers present a case for being not just tennis’ G.O.A.T but all of sport. Should she cement her legacy by returning from late-career pregnancy to win another major, there can be no doubt about her status within world sport.

– Serena has captured 23 Grand Slam victories, one shy of Australia’s legendary Margaret Court.

– The American returned to the top 10 last month for the first time as a mother and it’s noteworthy because she’s only played eight tournaments since returning full time. According to Tennis.com, 96 percent of those ranking points came from four tournaments, all Grand Slams.

– Her return to the pinnacle of tennis is all the more incredible when it was revealed last year she almost died giving birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, Jr, from blood clots.

Did you know…

Serena and sister Venus lived together up until about four years ago when the former moved out. Speaking to GQ about Venus now living around the corner in their old mansion, Serena said: “I was like, ‘Venus, I’m never going to have a serious relationship if we’re roommates forever.”

“I feel like a warrior in it, a warrior princess. I’ve always wanted to be a superhero.” – Serena Williams on wearing a catsuit at the French Open

Twitter: @serenawilliams

Instagram: serenawilliams