Williams, Venus (1980-…), is an American tennis star. She is noted for her forceful ground strokes, foot speed, and powerful serve, which has been timed at more than 125 miles (201 kilometers) an hour. In 2000 and 2001, Williams won both the US Open and Wimbledon titles. She also won the Wimbledon title in 2005, 2007, and 2008. She was ranked the number-one woman player in the world for 11 weeks in 2002 before being replaced by her younger sister, Serena.
Venus and Serena Williams formed a championship doubles team. They won all four grand slam women’s doubles titles, though not in the same year. The grand slam consists of the Australian Open, French Open, US Open, and Wimbledon in England. Venus won the gold medal in women’s singles at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games. She teamed with Serena to win the gold medal in women’s doubles at the 2000, 2008, and 2012 Olympics.
Venus Ebony Starr Williams was born on June 17, 1980, in Lynwood, California, and grew up in Compton, California. She began playing tennis at about age 4 under the guidance of her father, Richard. Venus won her first professional tournament in 1998.
