Serena Williams is a former American tennis player and 23-time Grand Slam champion—making her the second most successful woman in tennis history, behind Margaret Court.
At the age of 40, she decided to end her professional career last year at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main venue of the US Open—one of the sport’s four major tournaments.
She exited the tournament in the third round after being defeated by Ajla Tomljanovic in three sets. Serena broke down in tears after the match, while the stadium roared with emotion, marking a historic and unforgettable farewell.
True to her style, her final appearance on court was as brilliant as her entire career. The black, glittering Nike dress she wore that night was a tribute to her legacy—its shimmering details symbolized the many victories that defined her journey. And her final goodbye had to be in New York City—the city that never sleeps, with one of its most iconic athletes of all time.
Serena Williams’ records and her impact on tennis
Born in Michigan, Serena Williams wasn’t just another name on the women’s tennis circuit. She holds a place among the greatest in history.
With 23 Grand Slam titles, she is the second-winningest tennis player ever—male or female—behind Margaret Court.
She claimed seven titles at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open, three at Roland Garros, and six at the US Open. In total, she played in 33 Grand Slam finals, winning 23 and finishing runner-up in 10.
Beyond Grand Slams, Serena also dominated the WTA 1000 tournaments—considered the second tier in importance—winning 23 of them, a record among women.
Over her career, she earned 73 singles titles, placing her fifth all-time, and recorded 855 match wins. She reached the world No. 1 ranking five times and spent 319 weeks at the top—second only to Martina Navratilova in that metric.
Adding to her already unmatched resume, she also won four Olympic gold medals—cementing her legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in history.
Life after tennis for the former World No. 1
In 2017, Serena became a mother to her first daughter with husband Alexis Ohanian. Motherhood was one of the key factors that led her to gradually step away from professional tennis.
Six years later, at the Met Gala—a renowned fashion event—she announced her second pregnancy via social media.
Although she no longer competes professionally, Serena never used the word “retirement.” Instead, she referred to her next phase in life, making clear that sport would always be a part of her identity.
She has since stated that this chapter in her life will focus on new ventures, as tennis has already given her everything she ever dreamed of.
Serena Williams and fashion: a lifelong passion
Serena wasn’t just influential for her powerful game—she also left a mark on tennis through her unique style and personality. Many considered her presence on court an artistic performance.
Her close connection with the fashion world is no secret. She has strong ties with top designers and has graced the covers of multiple high-end magazines.
On court, her outfits—whether on grass, hard courts, or clay—always stood out and set her apart from other players. Today, she owns her own fashion line and has become a respected figure in the industry.
She has walked numerous runways, and her image consistently impressed fashion critics.
Serena Williams was not only a tennis player—she was a performer, a trailblazer, and a force of nature whose outfits, attitude, and grit revolutionized the sport.
Although she faced some criticism about her physique, the admiration and standing ovations she received around the world far outweighed any negativity. Serena will forever be a reference point in women’s tennis—and beyond.