NOW: Serena and Venus Williams – Tennis Superstars; Business Powerhouses
- Sisters Venus and Serena Williams have been blazing an exemplary trail in tennis since they were little girls, competing in junior leagues and making a name for themselves as teenagers. Venus is ranked World No. 8 in singles and World No. 20 in doubles. She became the World No. 1 for the first time on February 2002, making her the first African American woman to achieve the feat during the open era. She is the reigning champion in women’s doubles at the French Open; has 21 Grand Slam titles; and has also won three Olympic gold medals, more than any other female tennis player. She also serves as CEO of interior design firm V Starr Interiors, fashion line, EleVen, and part-owner of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
- Serena is a former World No. 1 and ranked World No. 11 in singles and No. 20 in doubles with her sister. She regained this ranking for the fifth time in November 2009. She is the reigning champion in singles at Wimbledon, and in women’s doubles at the French Open. Her 27 Grand Slam titles places her ninth on the all-time list: She has won more Grand Slam titles in singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles than any other active female player. She has won two Olympic gold medals in women’s doubles. Serena founded apparel, handbag and jewelry lines, as well as a handbag, Aneres and Signature Statement, respectively; is part-owner of the Dolphins and plans to launch her own nail polish collection.