Breaking Barriers

By: M. Bitran

7 Australian open titles
  3 French open titles
7 Wimbledon titles, 6 US open titles
  4 Olympic gold medals
  1 Olympic silver medal 
5 times WTA player of the year
4 times Laureus world sportsman of the year
Woman of the year: Glamour Magazine
  Associated press female athlete of the decade.

 These are only a few of the numerous awards Serena Williams has been entitled to throughout her career, however, Serena started from a completely different reality. 

Serena Williams, born in Saginaw, Michigan is known as one of, if not the greatest tennis players in history. Serena faced significant challenges in her early life. Serena did not come from a wealthy family. As a child, Serena, practiced for hours in poorly maintained tennis courts. At age 10, Serena Williams won first place in the under-10 division of the junior United States Tennis Association tour, and began gaining recognition. The Williams family moved to Florida in 1991, enrolling Serena, and her sister Venus at the Delray Beach Tennis Academy. In 1995, at the age of 14 not only did Serena go professional after defeating Annie Miller at a qualifying event in Quebec City, but her father, Richard Williams took over as her full-time coach.  

Serena Williams, becoming the second African American woman to win a Grand Slam singles tournament, in a white-male dominated field faced crippling sexism and racism. Despite that, Serena’s extraordinary talent and determination caused her to stand out amongst other athletes. 
 
​In the 2022 US Open, Serena Williams played her final professional match where she faced Ajla Tomljanovic. Even though Serena lost the three sets, the match was a celebration of her achievements and remarkable contributions to the sport. Serena has inspired millions with her strength and resilience, in a sport often highlighted by its inequality. Serena consistently advocated for equal pay and representation, using her platform to address important social issues. Her journey, encourages athletes, especially women to follow their passions, regardless of their backgrounds, proving that with enough effort, anything is possible.