Serena Williams
Transcending culture for years to come
History in the Making
Born in 1981 in Saginaw, Michigan, but grew up in Compton California, Serena started training at age 3. By 1991, Serena was top in the country at her age level with a 46-2 record and moved to Florida to continue her training. At the age of 15, Serena turned pro and within 2 years was ranked 99th in the world. By age 18, Serena had won the prestigious U.S Open. Her success would continue with 20 more singles grand slams titles, 3 olympic gold medals in doubles with her sister Venus Williams, and 1 singles olympic gold medal. As Serena career continues, she proves to be one of the most dominate black womens tennis players in the world.
''I've always considered myself the best and the top. I never considered that I was out of it.''
Major moments
- 1999 - First U.S Open win
- 2000 - FIrst Doubles gold medal earn in Sydney games
- 2002- Ranked 1st in the world by Women Tennis Association
- 2002-2003 - Held all Grand Slam titles simultaneously
- 2009 - Major Argument with a line-women. Leads to large fine and probation.
- 2014 - 20th Grand Slam win. 3rd highest Grand Slam wins in history
- 2015 - Major loss at U.S open to a 43rd seeded player
Serena's Trials
- August 2003 - Knee Surgery
- September 2003 - Step sister murdered
- 2011 - Series of health scares raised question of retirement.
- 2013 - Loss to 23rd seed in Wimbledon
Transcendence of Culture
Serena has proved though her great success that an African-American that grew up in Compton can rise to great success. To our society she is seen as one of the top athletes in the world. Not one of the best african american athletes, but one of the best athletes in general. With the WTA's rating of 1st in the world 6 different times she has proved she is one of the best. She is what many ethic children inspire to be. Young Mykal-Michelle is a prime example of her influence. Someone who has broken race, income, and gender barriers to be on top. Her journey displays the very idea of the American Dream. Serena's hard work and practice has given her the ability to rise to the top, regardless of her race.
Work cited
ttp://www.biography.com/people/serena-williams-9532901#early-life
http://www.usopen.org/en_US/players/overview/wta230234.html
http://www.tennis.com/player/405/serena-williams/
http://www.britannica.com/biography/Serena-Williams
http://www.wtatennis.com/SEWTATour-Archive/Rankings_Stats/Career_Prize_Money_Top_100.pdf