Venus Williams
The Short List
- Ranked No. 2 in the world in 2002
- 2000 and 2001 U.S. Open Champion
- 2000 and 2001 Wimbledon Champion
- 2000 Olympic Games gold medalist in singles and doubles, with sister Serena
- Has hit the fastest serve ever recorded by a female - 127.4 mph.
- 2008 Olympic Games gold medalist in doubles with sister Serena
Did You Know?
- Along with younger sister Serena, is coached and managed by their father, Richard.
- Has three other sisters: Isha, Lyndrea and Yetunde.
- Full name is Venus Ebone Starr Williams.
- After losing the 2002 French Open finals to Serena, grabbed a camera and jumped in with the horde of photographers to capture her sister's golden moment.
- Says she loves horror movies even though they frighten her and she often has to resist the urge to leave the theater mid-way through the movie.
- Along with sister Serena, was a guest voice on The Simpsons on February 11, 2001.
- Attends the University of Florida where she is working towards a degree in fashion design.
- Hopes not to be involved in the tennis world after she retires from the sport.
- Hopes to speak five languages: English, German, Italian, Russian and French.
- Favorite movies include: "Dude, Where's My Car?," "Shawshank Redemption," "Tommy Boy," "Coneheads," and "Friday."
It's Every Day
Venus was raised with her four sisters in the poor neighborhoods of Compton, Calif. Her father encouraged his daughters to participate in sports, and she was playing tennis on the public courts in Compton at the age of four. Just ten years later she debuted as a professional in the women's tour. Despite her fame and success on the courts she has never forgotten her roots. Along with her sister, Venus founded the Venus and Serena Williams Tutorial/Tennis Academy in Los Angeles for inner-city children. The Academy provides an atmosphere where all students can thrive, interact, and develop by offering tennis lessons, tutoring, seminars on how to complete college applications and mentoring. The Willams sisters teach success through tennis. Summer camps, youth clinics, after school programs and more are available to disadvantaged children throughout the Los Angeles area. The academy can be found on the web at www.venusserenatennisacademy.org.