Venus Williams

Six times grand slam winner Venus Williams has been one of the most consistent performers in women's tennis over the last decade. Although significantly older than many of the other players ranked in the WTA top 10, Williams still commands respect with her power and athleticism and thrives in front of her home crowds at the US Open.

Player Biography

Venus Williams began playing tennis at the age of 4, coached by her father. Williams was passionate about tennis from an early age and recalls often crying when her practice sessions came to an end. William's career was carefully planned by her father, who refused to over-expose his talented daughter to top level tennis.

Career

Venus Williams played her first ATP game at the age of 14. She caused a sensation in her very first tournament by running world number 2 Aranxta Sanchez Vicario close, losing the match after being a set and a service break up. Despite this startling debut, Venus was not rushed into further tournaments as her father preferred to introduce her to full time tennis at an older age.

Grand Slam Record

Venus William played her first full season on the WTA tour in 1997, making her grand slam debut the same year. Although Williams struggled at Wimbledon and the French Open, she excelled at the US Open, managing to reach the final at first attempt.

In the next two seasons Williams amassed 9 WTA singles titles. This stunning breakthrough was not immediately complemented by grand slams titles. However the dam wall broke in 2000 when Williams won her first Wimbledon and US Open titles.

In the next five years Venus Williams appeared in another nine grand slam finals, winning four of these. Her performances on the tour were equally impressive as she racked up 27 singles titles – single-handedly dominating woman's singles tennis.

Playing Style

Venus William's four Wimbledon titles illustrate the fact that she plays best on grass where her superior power and agility allow her to compensate for the lack of bounce on the surface. William's possesses one of the most devastating serves in the women's game, with her serve recorded at a record 129 mph.

Her ground strokes are equally powerful, and are backed up by an excellent game at the net where she uses her superior height and power to great advantage.