Serena Williams’ journey from the hard courts of Crompton to her triumphant success in tennis is a narrative rich in motivation and diligent effort. Yet, beyond her stature as a tennis icon, she also demonstrates astute business acumen. Despite her remarkable achievements, when questioned about whether “money” served as a driving force in her ascent, Williams provided an intriguing response.
As the 23rd time Grand Slam Champion, Williams has consistently been ranked among the top 30 highest-earning athletes by Forbes, raking in a total of $41.5 million in on and off-court income in 2021 alone. Her career earnings from prize money reportedly exceed $95 million. However, for the former World No.1, financial gains have always taken a back seat to her passion and dedication to tennis.
In a podcast interview, Williams recounted her early days in tennis when she didn’t prioritize monetary rewards. She humorously recalled forgetting to collect prize checks after tournaments, necessitating reminders from her accountant. Despite her current net worth nearing $300 million, Williams emphasized that her primary joy stems from her love for the sport and her desire to achieve greatness.
Having turned professional in 1995 and clinched her first Grand Slam title at just 17 in the U.S. Open in 1999, Williams’ relentless pursuit of excellence saw her maintain the top ranking for an impressive 319 weeks. Yet, her impact transcends the confines of the court; off-court, she excels as a savvy businesswoman.
Serena Williams’ entrepreneurial endeavors extend far beyond tennis. With her innate talent and entrepreneurial drive, she has seamlessly transitioned into the business realm. She boasts ownership in 85 companies, with 14 valued at over $1 bιIIιоn. In addition to her recently launched beauty brand, WYN Beauty, Williams is involved in various ventures, including her own clothing line and Serena Ventures, an initiative dedicated to supporting and funding companies led by woмen and people of color. Speaking about her investment philosophy, Williams articulated her post-tennis mission: to champion and invest in woмen, people of color, and diversity.