Serena Williams Turns 43: Celebrating a Sports Icon and Cultural Trailblazer

Serena Williams turns 43 today. As one of the greatest athletes of all time, this tennis star has left an unforgettable mark on the world of sports and pop culture. 

Born September 26th, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, Williams began her professional career in 1995.  From an early age, her exceptional skills and fierce competitiveness set her apart.  At just 17 years old, she claimed her first Grand Slam at the 1999 U.S. Open, defeating world-class players to establish her dominance.  Over the next two decades, she would claim a record of seven Australian Open and seven Wimbledon titles.  In total, she holds 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

Additionally, Williams holds the Open Era record and is second only to Margaret Court’s all-time tally of 24.  Beyond her individual accolades, Serena excelled in doubles alongside her sister, Venus Williams, winning 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals.  Her career has been defined by precision and a strict will to win, which was evident all the way up until her retirement in 2022. 

Off the court, Williams’ advocacy for women’s rights, especially mothers of color, stems from her own near-death experience in childbirth.  The day after delivering her daughter via cesarean section in 2017, the world-renowned athlete experienced difficulty breathing and instantly suspected she was suffering from another pulmonary embolism.  However, doctors didn’t immediately take her seriously until her condition worsened.  Since then, she has used her platform to advocate for proper post-partum care.

Serena Williams’ influence is felt far beyond tennis, reminding us that greatness is not just about wins but the change one brings to the world.