Venus Williams says that her 1998 Australian Open mixed doubles title with fellow American Justin Gimelstob was the start of her overall success. Williams owns 44 career singles titles, seven of which are Grand Slams, as well as 21 doubles titles, 13 of which are Grand Slams and three of which Olympic gold medals. All her doubles titles were won with her sister, Serena.

“The mixed doubles in ‘98, that was like the first title I ever had,” said Venus, who wouldn’t win her first singles title until a month later in Oklahoma City. We had the French Open that year, too. That was definitely the beginning for me. After that I started winning events. Sometimes it takes winning a mixed or whatever it is, a major, to really understand how to win matches.”