Editing Serena Williams (section)

==Player profile==
===Playing style===
Williams was an [[Tennis strategy#Offensive baseliner|aggressive baseliner]] whose game was centered around her powerful serve and forceful groundstrokes. Owing to her high-risk playing style, she typically hit a large number of winners and a large number of unforced errors. Williams's serve—which is considered the greatest in the history of women's tennis<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bodo |first=Peter |date=2015-07-11 |title=Bodo: Five ways Serena Williams excels |url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/wimbledon15/story/_/id/13238613/wimbledon-five-things-serena-williams-excels-at |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref>—is known for its speed and accurate placement, which allowed her to deliver numerous aces.<ref name=":2" /> At the [[2013 Australian Open]], she delivered the third-fastest serve in WTA recorded history, a 128.6&nbsp;mph (207&nbsp;km/h) ace against [[Ayumi Morita]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3935300/serena-williams-2/|title=The Most Exceptional Athlete: Serena Williams|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=June 25, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2021|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007201335/https://time.com/3935300/serena-williams/|url-status=live}}</ref> Williams possessed an accurate and consistent ball toss, allowing her to serve to any position on the court with minimal differences in the position of the ball in the air; this made it difficult for opponents to read her service motion and predict the position of her serve, allowing her to dominate a rally from the first stroke.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/sports/sporting-scene/how-serena-williams-used-the-most-beautiful-service-toss-in-tennis-to-beat-her-sister-venus-at-the-us-open|title=How Serena Williams used the most beautiful service toss in tennis to beat her sister Venus at the U.S. Open|magazine=[[The New Yorker]]|last=Marzorati|first=Gerald|date=September 1, 2018|access-date=October 7, 2021|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727070545/https://www.newyorker.com/sports/sporting-scene/how-serena-williams-used-the-most-beautiful-service-toss-in-tennis-to-beat-her-sister-venus-at-the-us-open|url-status=live}}</ref> Williams also possessed effective and accurate kick and slice serves. She deployed these as second serves, minimizing double faults and preventing opponents from scoring free points.<ref name=":2">{{cite web |last1=Cheng |first1=Shirley |last2=Hunt |first2=Bob |title=We asked a physicist to break down Serena Williams' iconic serve |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/serena-williams-serve-dominates-tennis-wins-served-games-2019-8?r=US&IR=T |work=[[Business Insider]] |date=June 4, 2021 |access-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007201548/https://www.businessinsider.com/serena-williams-serve-dominates-tennis-wins-served-games-2019-8?r=US&IR=T |url-status=live }}</ref>

Williams's forehand and backhand are considered two of the most powerful shots in the history of women's tennis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympics.com/en/featured-news/top-tennis-players-best-men-women-rank-greatest-all-time|title=From Steffi Graf's Golden Slam to Roger Federer's unrelenting run, the best from the world of tennis|work=[[Olympic Games]]|last1=Peter|first1=Naveen|date=October 5, 2021|access-date=October 7, 2021|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007201338/https://olympics.com/en/featured-news/top-tennis-players-best-men-women-rank-greatest-all-time|url-status=live}}</ref> She hit both her forehand and her backhand in an open stance, allowing her to generate consistently powerful, heavy, and dominating groundstrokes. She was able to generate sharp, acute angles, which allowed her to hit winners from any position on the court.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/techniques-and-tactics-by-serena|title=Techniques and tactics by Serena|work=[[Tennis (magazine)|Tennis]]|last1=Bodo|first1=Peter|date=September 20, 2013|access-date=October 7, 2021|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007201549/https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/techniques-and-tactics-by-serena|url-status=live}}</ref> Her forehand—which has been described as "devastating"—was hit with heavy topspin, which allowed her to dominate rallies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Abulleil |first=Reem |date=July 13, 2018 |title=Kerber v Williams: How each could win |url=https://www.wimbledon.com/amp/en_GB/news/articles/2018-07-13/kerber_v_williams_how_each_could_win.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007201336/https://www.wimbledon.com/amp/en_GB/news/articles/2018-07-13/kerber_v_williams_how_each_could_win.html |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |access-date=March 20, 2024 |website=www.wimbledon.com}}</ref> She was capable of hitting her forehand both crosscourt and down the line to produce winners.<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S. Open 2014: Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Sam Stosur Among Best Tennis Strokes|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/25/sports/tennis/us-open-2014-serena-williams-maria-sharapova-and-agnieszka-radwanska-among-best-tennis-strokes.html|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 24, 2014|access-date=July 29, 2015|issn=0362-4331|first=Christopher|last=Clarey|archive-date=May 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230507035558/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/25/sports/tennis/us-open-2014-serena-williams-maria-sharapova-and-agnieszka-radwanska-among-best-tennis-strokes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Her two-handed backhand was equally dominant, and has been described as one of the greatest backhands of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/31709195/wimbledon-2021-experts-picks-novak-djokovic-vs-field-serena-williams-notch-24th-slam|title=Wimbledon 2021 experts' picks: Novak Djokovic vs. the field, and can Serena Williams notch her 24th Slam?|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=June 27, 2021|access-date=October 7, 2021|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007201338/https://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/story/_/id/31709195/wimbledon-2021-experts-picks-novak-djokovic-vs-field-serena-williams-notch-24th-slam|url-status=live}}</ref> Williams tended to hit her backhand flatter than her forehand, which allowed her to hit with speed, power, and depth both crosscourt and down the line. Despite playing primarily from the baseline, Williams was an adept net player thanks to her extensive doubles experience. She frequently chose to finish points at the net, either with deft touch, aggressive drive volleys, or a solid, powerful, and reliable overhead smash.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/28/sports/tennis/wimbledon-volley-serve.html|title=The Volley, Once a Huge Part of the Game, Is in Decline|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=June 28, 2019|access-date=June 29, 2020}}</ref> She possessed an aggressive return of serve; she neutralized powerful first serves, and attacked weak second serves. She is widely considered one of the greatest returners of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/wimbledon15/story/_/id/13238613/wimbledon-five-things-serena-williams-excels-at|title=Serena Williams far more than just a serving machine|publisher=[[ESPN]]|last1=Bodo|first1=Peter|date=July 11, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref>

Despite predominantly employing an aggressive style, Williams was also an excellent defender who was capable of counterpunching against aggressive opponents until she created an opportunity to hit a winner. She was an exceptional athlete, known for her movement, speed, court coverage, agility, flexibility, balance, and footwork. Her on-court intelligence, shot selection, and point construction allowed her to execute her game plan effectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/aug/31/serena-williams-best-because-brains-not-body|title=Serena Williams is the best because of her brains – not just her body|work=[[The Guardian]]|last1=Wilson|first1=Patrick|date=August 31, 2015|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> American tennis player Christina McHale praised her composure in high-pressure moments, while Martina Navratilova called her mental strength "unbelievable".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/christina-mchale-tennis-five-toughest-opponents|title=The five toughest players I've ever faced|work=[[The Players' Tribune]]|last1=McHale|first1=Christina|date=July 28, 2016|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Wertheim |first1=Lewis Jon |author-link1=Jon Wertheim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hdDvCAAAQBAJ |title=This is Your Brain on Sports: The Science of Underdogs, the Value of Rivalry, and What We Can Learn from the T-Shirt Cannon |last2=Sommers |first2=Samuel |author-link2=Samuel Sommers |year= 2016 |publisher=[[Crown Publishing Group]] |isbn=978-0553447422 |page=162}}</ref> Williams has been noted for her ability to produce extraordinary comebacks, particularly at the Grand Slam level. She won three Slams after saving match points, more than any other player in history.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tennisplanet.me/blog/2012/06/grand-slam-champions-who-saved-match-points-from-2000-is-Djokovic-about-to-make-his-second-entry-her.html |title=Grand slam champions who saved match points (from 2000). |date=June 5, 2012 |work=Tennisplanet.me}}</ref> Williams bounced back from a set down to win 37 Grand Slam matches. Her ability to come back from set and break deficits in Grand Slam matches was described by McEnroe as "a gift", and he called her "the greatest" competitor in the history of women's tennis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tennisnow.com/Blogs/NET-POSTS/June-2015/John-McEnroe-Says-Serena-Williams%E2%80%99-Mental-Toughnes.aspx|title=John McEnroe says Serena Williams' mental toughness has improved with age|work=Tennis Now|date=June 2015|access-date=October 7, 2021}}</ref> She has also been praised for her ability to serve aces at critical moments. As noted by retired player [[Li Na]] in 2016, "break point down, [there is an] 80% chance [she] serves an ace".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xqArCAnp-M&t=36s|title=WTA Legends Build the Perfect WTA Player|work=[[Women's Tennis Association]] on [[YouTube]]|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=October 7, 2021}}{{cbignore}} Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211130/_xqArCAnp-M Ghostarchive] and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20211010055616/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xqArCAnp-M Wayback Machine]</ref>

===Coaches===
Williams had five coaches during her career: Richard Williams (1994–2022), Oracene Price (1994–2003), Patrick Mouratoglou (2012–2022), Eric Hechtman (2022) and [[Rennae Stubbs]] (2022).<ref>{{cite web |date=June 26, 2022 |title=Sunday Slice: Serena Debuts New Team, Denis Shapovalov Celebrates Anniversary at Wimbledon |url=https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/sunday-slice-serena-williams-new-team-denis-shapovalov-celebrates-anniversary |access-date=June 28, 2022 |work=Tennis.com}}</ref>

===Endorsements===
Williams graduated from Driftwood Academy in 1999, and soon after signed a $12 million endorsement deal with Puma.<ref name="Museum" /> In 2004, she signed a five-year deal with Nike for $40 million, and has been sponsored by the company ever since.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upasani |first=Atharva |date=2024-04-24 |title=Serena Williams Nike contract: How the American icon set herself up for life with a one-of-a-kind partnership deal |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/serena-williams-nike-contract-how-american-icon-set-life-one-of-a-kind-partnership-deal |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Sportskeeda}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ackerman |first=Alyssa |date=2022-08-31 |title=Serena and the Swoosh: A Legacy Unmatched |url=https://hypebae.com/2022/8/serena-wiliams-nike-tennis-us-open-retirement-op-ed |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Hypebae}}</ref> During Williams's tennis career, Nike designed custom clothing and footwear for her. The largest building on Nike's Portland campus is the one-million-square-foot Serena Williams Building, which features many references to the athlete's career and long partnership with Nike.<ref>{{cite web |title=Serena Williams Building at Nike World Headquarters |url=https://serenawilliamsbuilding.nike.com/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |website=Serena Williams Building at Nike World Headquarters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Serena Williams Building, Skylab Architecture |url=https://skylabarchitecture.com/work/nikewhq/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |website=Skylab Architecture}}</ref> According to [[John Hoke III|John Hoke]], Nike's Chief Design Officer, Williams assisted with the design of the building.<ref>{{cite web |last=Newcomb |first=Tim |title=Nike Opens Design-Focused Serena Williams Building, Largest Office Building On Oregon Campus |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnewcomb/2022/04/27/nike-opens-design-focused-serena-williams-building-largest-office-building-on-oregon-campus/ |access-date=January 23, 2023 |website=Forbes}}</ref>

In 2015, Williams became the Chief Sporting Officer for British luxury car manufacturer [[Aston Martin]], and in 2018 she joined the board of directors of [[SurveyMonkey]].<ref>{{cite web |date=June 25, 2015 |title=Serena Williams: Chief Sports Officer for Aston Martin! |url=http://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/news/Serena_Williams/24641/serena-williams-chief-sports-officer-for-aston-martin/ |access-date=June 18, 2017 |publisher=Tennis World USA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=June 25, 2015 |title=Serena Williams Named Chief Sporting Officer For Aston Martin |url=http://www.informationng.com/2015/06/serena-williams-named-chief-sporting-officer-aston-martin.html |access-date=June 18, 2017 |publisher=Information Nigeria}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Tennis Star Serena Williams Joins SurveyMonkey's Board |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/24/tennis-star-serena-williams-joins-surveymonkeys-board/ |access-date=November 30, 2018 |work=TechCrunch}}</ref> During her career, Williams had endorsement deals with [[AbbVie]], [[AB InBev|Anheuser-Busch InBev]], [[AT&T]], [[Audemars Piguet]], [[Beats by Dre]], [[Berlei|Berlei Bras]], [[Block, Inc.|Block Inc]], [[Bumble]], [[Chase Bank]], [[Delta Air Lines]], [[DirecTV]], [[DoorDash]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford Motor]], [[Gatorade]], [[Gucci]], [[Hanes]], [[IBM]], [[Intel]], Mission Athletecare, OnePiece, [[OPI Products]], [[Pepsi]], [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]], [[Tempur]], Tonal and the [[The Walt Disney Company|Walt Disney Company]].<ref name="Forbes21" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Livaudais |first=Stephanie |date=August 11, 2022 |title=#tbt, Money Moves: How Serena Williams set herself up for life after retirement |url=https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/tbt-serena-williams-endorsements-sponsors-prize-money-investing |access-date=February 9, 2023 |website=Tennis.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= |date=September 3, 2022 |title=As Tennis queen bows out, a look at brand Serena Williams and what she was worth |url=https://www.livemint.com/sports/tennis-news/as-tennis-queen-bows-out-a-look-at-brand-serena-williams-and-what-she-was-worth-11662184229911.html |access-date=February 9, 2023 |website=mint}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Browley |first=Jasmine |date=August 10, 2022 |title=A Look At Serena Williams' Biggest Boss Moves |url=https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/serena-williams-tennis-retirement-vogue-investment-black-woman/ |access-date=February 9, 2023 |website=Essence |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Rackets===
Williams used the Wilson Hammer Stretch range of rackets when she won her first Grand Slam title in 1999, before switching to the Hyper Hammer range.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2000/08/20000828/No-Topic-Name/WHAT-THEYRE-WEARING-AND-HITTING-WITH-AT-THE-US-OPEN.aspx |title=What They're Wearing (And Hitting With) At The U.S. Open |publisher=SportsBusiness Journal |date=August 28, 2000 |access-date=September 10, 2014}}</ref> She switched to the Wilson nCode briefly in 2005, and has used various iterations of the Wilson Blade since 2008. Her racket is typically oversized, with a head size of 104 square inches. Since 2017, Wilson has manufactured a signature racket, the Wilson Blade SW104, which is designed to Williams's specifications. Since 2020, Williams has used a smaller variant of this racket, the Wilson Blade SW102 Autograph.<ref>{{cite web |title=Serena Williams' 23 Grand Slams in Pictures |url=https://www.wilson.com/en-us/blog/tennis/throwback/serena-williams-23-grand-slams-pictures |work=[[Wilson Sporting Goods]] |date=April 30, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2021 |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026224659/https://www.wilson.com/en-us/blog/tennis/throwback/serena-williams-23-grand-slams-pictures |url-status=dead }}</ref>