The Blue & White

by Lisandra Mejia

Serena Williams, born in Saginaw, Michigan, started playing tennis at the ripe age of 4.

Trained by her father on public courts, constant practice led Williams the opportunity to attend Rick Macci Academy in West palm beach. This ultimately led to both of the sisters turning professional within their own respective careers.

Throughout her career, Serena Williams won a total of 39 titles: 29 in singles, 14 in women’s doubles, and two in mixed doubles. She has opened a door for new generations of tennis players and she has allowed for vulnerability and strength to be depicted on the tennis court.

In Vogue’s September 2022 cover Williams stated, “I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.” Williams expresses that although her love for tennis strongly remains, it’s time for her to move on to other opportunities in her life. She stated in the article that she’d like to expand her family and expand her business opportunities.

When asked about her legacy, she stated, “thanks to opportunities afforded to me, women athletes feel that they can be themselves on the court. They can play with aggression and pump their fists.”

Williams, who has been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism due to her mannerisms on the court, has opened the doors for women to be expressive and for women to be able to act out of the “delicate” standards they are boxed into.

Whether or not she is liked by the masses, her influence on the sport of tennis is undeniable and will continue to be prominent for generations to come.