The Williams Sisters' Climb to the Top

By D. Westphalen

The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, are considered to be some of the best female tennis players in the world. However, their journey to the top is nothing short of incredible, let's see how it happened.

Growing up in Compton, Serena and Venus were the two youngest of five siblings; all girls. They would endlessly train on public courts, even though this area was riddled with violence, homicides and dangerous gangs. They would train with their dad, who helped them throughout their entire careers.

After showing great talent and promise during youth competitions, Serena and Venus were invited to move to Palm Beach Gardens in 1993, to train under the well respected Rick Macci. With them, their whole family moved to Florida to be with them, except for their oldest sister who stayed in Compton.

Venus had her professional debut before Serena, participating in the Bank of West Classic in Oakland, 1994. Where she won her first match but unfortunately fell short to number one ranked Sanchez Vicario in a nail biting match. 

Serena played her first professional tournament one year later, but unfortunately lost in the qualifying round. After that, Williams went on to play three more tournaments until she earned her first win. By 1997, she was already ranked No. 99, even though she was just 18 years old.

In 1997, Venus was also participating in her first Grand Slam stunning everybody as she reached the finals at the US Open, but unfortunately lost to Martina Hingis.

Although both Serena and Venus had to overcome many difficulties and obstacles throughout their childhoods, nowadays they are considered to be one of the bests and have many grand slams to prove this. Venus has won 7 Grand Slams throughout her career, whilst Serena has already won 23. It is safe to say that both of them climbed their hills and are now sitting atop their well deserved thrones.