Venus Williams

Venus Ebony Starr Williams was born on June 17, 1980 in Lynwood, California. She is the daughter of Richard and Oracene Williams and is the fourth of their five daughters. Richard taught all his daughters how to play tennis at a young age. Venus and her younger sister, Serena, were outstanding players so their father became their coach. When Venus started entering competitions she won her first 63 games, and at age 10 won the under-12 division of the Southern California girls’ title.

In October 1994, at age 14, Williams turned professional and only played in one tournament that year. She played in three tournaments in 1995 and five tournaments in 1996.

Venus is a right-handed player with a two-handed backhand. She is an aggressive player and plays the whole court. Her serve is very powerful, she is a skillful volleyer and her forehand drive-volley is very effective. Because of her height (6’ 1”) and long arms she is able to reach shots that others won’t try.

Williams won Grand Slam doubles at the Australian Open in 2001 and 2003, the French Open in 1999, Wimbledon in 2000, 2002 and 2008, the U.S. Open in 1999 and the Olympic games she won the gold medal in 2000 and 2008.

Venus Williams won Grand Slam singles at the Olympic games and won the gold medal in 2000, won the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001, the French Open in 2002, the Australian Open in 2003 and won at Wimbledon in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008.