It was only fitting that Serena Williams would win her 23rd, and record breaking Grand Slam title from her sister Venus Williams in the finals at the 2017 Australian Open. Serena cemented herself as the most decorated player, male or female, in the Open era by besting her older sister 6-4, 6-4.
“There’s no way I would be here at 23 without her,” Serena Williams said of her sister. “There’s no way I would be at one without her. She’s the only reason that I’m standing here today. She’s the only reason that the Williams sisters exist.”
Anyone questioning who the most dominant female (or male) tennis player of all-time can put those questions to rest. While Martina Navratalova, Steffi Graf, Billie Jean King, Monica Seles, and sister Venus have all been in the conversation, there’s no denying Serena’s dominance in the sport. And at age 35 it’s as if Serena keeps getting younger.
It’s been quite a year for Serena as she recently announced her engagement to Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian. Saturday’s title was Serena Williams’ 10th major championship won over the age of 30. By comparison, Steffi Graf won her final Grand Slam at age 29. The win also ensures that Serena Williams will retake her spot at the top of the WTA rankings.
The Williams sisters began their quest for tennis dominance on the tennis courts of Compton where they were trained by their father. In 1998 these two phenoms made their first foray into the tennis world and have never looked back. They are one the most brandable duos in the world as well as entrepreneurial women around.
Nothing but congratulations to Serena on a career that may never be surpassed by anyone in Tennis. But don’t count out Serena just yet. Considering how dominant she still is, we could very well see her on the courts at the age of 40 still winning titles.
Photo via AP
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