ZipRecruiter Player Resume: Venus Williams does it all

The older half of the most successful sister act in tennis history, Venus Williams was rightfully dubbed a future global star long before she made history as a 17-year-old at the 1997 US Open. In her Flushing Meadows debut, she enjoyed a Cinderella run to her first Grand Slam final, becoming the first unseeded WTA player in the Open Era to make it that far in tournament history.

It didn’t take long before she solidified her greatness.

In 2000, Venus captured her first major title at Wimbledon, having missed the first five months of the season battling tendinitis in both wrists—injuries that would follow her for the better part of her career. She also won the doubles crown with sister Serena.

Tennis has given me so much opportunity in life, including a platform, so when the opportunity came to fight for women across the sport it was an easy decision.—Venus Williams

Two months later, Venus consolidated her Wimbledon victory by winning the US Open—plus gold medals in both singles and doubles at the Summer Olympics in Sydney. In doing so, she became the first woman to sweep the Olympic tennis podium since Helen Wills Moody in 1924.

In 2007, Venus led the charge for equal prize money at Wimbledon, where she won her seventh major trophy.

“The greatest tennis tournament in the world has reached an even greater height today,” Venus said in 2007. “I applaud today’s decision by Wimbledon, which recognizes the value of women’s tennis.”

In 2020, Venus reflected to Forbes’ Kathy Caprino on her brave fight for equality.

“For me it was simple and clear; it was about standing up for what I believed was right,” she said. “Tennis has given me so much opportunity in life, including a platform, so when the opportunity came to fight for women across the sport it was an easy decision.”

Nearly three decades after turning pro, Venus is still pursuing her passions, on and off the court. The 40-year-old has won 40 singles titles, including seven Grand Slams; and 22 doubles trophies, including 14 majors. Her Olympic achievements include four gold medals (one single and three doubles) and one silver medal in mixed doubles. She’s also reached a career-ranking of No. 1 in both singles and doubles.

Off the court, the American has achieved similar levels of success. She founded her popular activewear brand EleVen and a full-service interior design firm VStarr.

Whatever she sets her mind to, Venus has proved that she can win—again and again.