Tennis goddess, Serena Williams, on Monday, clocked 35.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion, is possibly the best female tennis player of her generation as she holds the most major singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles combined amongst active players, male or female.
Her record of 38 major titles puts her fourth on the all-time list and second in the open era: 22 in singles, 14 in women’s doubles, and two in mixed doubles
To mark the birthday of this highly decorated superstar, we take a look at what she means to other top celebrities.
I didn’t know anything about tennis, but I definitely knew who Serena Williams was. I remember being out on tour with Destiny’s Child. She came to a show and she and I haven’t stopped talking since that day. We just clicked. She’s always seemed to find a way to make me laugh, let me know when I’m at my greatest, but will also let me know when I’m at my worst, and that’s when true friendship is tested. It’s how honest one can be with you. How she balances being the No. 1 tennis player in the world and a No. 1 friend baffles me. She is the friend that I prayed and asked God for, whom I also deeply admire. My lifelong friend. Serena Williams – Kelly Rowland, singer.
She’s the ultimate competitor, a person that plays the game with so much fire and passion. I have tonnes of respect for her and what she’s been able to do over her career. Arguably one of the best women athletes to ever play any sport, and she does it with grace and passion – Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback.
I know the numbers and the stats and the records, but I feel her career is the best in the history of the game even without those. I truly believe that. … I have always admired the way she’s handled the ups and downs of her career, and she’s always had that champion mentality and the fighting spirit. It’s just amazing. To me, she’s always been the toughest opponent you can have, but also the most exciting. I’ve always looked forward to playing against her, because that’s when you truly test yourself or your level. It’s always exciting to me. In my mind, she’s the greatest player ever, regardless of the record – Victoria Azarenka, tennis player.
I mean, body. … She is a walking goddess. Amazing. Feminine. Strength. Let’s take gender and all of that out for a minute, and just focus on an amazing athlete. I know that I couldn’t stand up against her. She’s amazing. … There’s a lot that comes with the expectation of who people perceive you to be, then you could just be who you are. She’s a very elegant woman – Usher, entertainer.
Serena means champion to me. I got a chance to see her ’30 for 30′ and see how she was raised, see all the challenges her and her family had to go through to even get her to this level. It’s rewarding, it’s like the cherry on top of the cake to the story. Your parents always tell you to work hard, and she’s that proof – Fabolous, rapper.
Probably the world. We love each other. We have so much fun together and we enjoy each other, so I think that has made our life meaningful – Venus Williams, sister.
