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7 Things We Learned About Serena Williams From Sports Illustrated

2 minute read

Sports Illustrated named Serena Williams Sportsperson of the Year on Monday, citing her astounding record winning four Grand Slam Tournaments in a row, her grace in defeat when she was upset at the U.S. Open, and how outspoken she has been about issues of racism and sexism as a leader in the world of sports and culture.

But while everyone may know that Serena Williams is arguably the greatest living American athlete, here are a few non-tennis facts you may not have heard about the tennis star.

  • Back in 2005, Serena and Venus Williams starred in their own reality show, Venus and Serena: For Real
  • Both Venus and Serena Williams are part owners of the Miami Dolphins.
  • She has competed in three Olympic Games and won four gold medals.
  • She helped friend and Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg through the death of her husband.
  • Williams is No. 47 on Forbes’ 2015 list of highest-paid athletes. The only woman ranked above her is Maria Sharapova, who has lost 18 of 20 head-to-head matches with Williams.
  • Earlier this year, she chased down a man who tried to steal her phone and caught him.
  • Serena Williams’ fashion mentor is none other than legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour. She’s helped the tennis star refine her designs for two New York Fashion week shows.
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    Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com