Venus Williams

Venus Williams is a professional American tennis player. The older sister of tennis star Serena Williams, she is a former number one world champion and designer of the athletic clothing line EleVen.

On March 2, 2009, Venus Williams was defeated by her sister Serena in the Billie Jean King Cup final held at Madison Square Garden. It was the first time women had played tennis at the Garden in nine years.ESPN: Serena tops Venus in King Cup final (March 3, 2009)

On July 4, 2009, Venus Williams was once again defeated by her sister Serena in the Wimbeldon final.

Although she was considered by many as the favorite to win the 2009 Australian Open and earned a seemingly effortless win during the first round, Williams was defeated by Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro during the second round.ESPN: Price not always right for Venus' mom (January 23, 2008)

Williams played with her sister, Serena, in the women's doubles competition at the 2008 Summer Olympics. They defeated the Spanish team in the final match to win the gold medal. Venus Williams previously won gold medals in singles and doubles at the 2000 Summer Olympics.NBC Olympics: Venus Williams

Born in California, Williams turned pro at the age of 14. Since her career started, she has garnered 36 WTA tour titles and won six Grand Slams. As of 2008, she is ranked number eight in the world. She is also a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist.ESPN: Venus Williams

In 2003, Venus and Serena Williams' older sister, Yetunda Price, was caught in the middle of a crossfire in Compton, California, where she was shot to death.USA Today: Venus, Serena Williams' Sister Fatally Shot

"Being number one was firstly my parents' dream, but it soon became mine too, so reaching it was great not only for me, but for them too."BBC Sport: Williams Takes Number One Spot

• Mahalo's Guide to Professional Tennis
• WTA.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 6-1
  • Weight: 160 lbs
  • Professional Debut: 1994

• June 17, 1980: Born

• 1994: Turns professional

• 2000: Wimbledon, U.S. Open, Olympic Gold Medal women's singles and doubles tennis

• 2001: Wimbledon and U.S. Open

• 2002: Australian Open

• 2003: French Open

• 2005: Wimbledon

• 2007: Wimbledon

• ESPN: Price not always right for Venus' mom (January 23, 2008)

• ABC News: Williams makes short work of first round (2008)

• Chicago Tribune: Venus Williams engaged (2008)

• USA Today: Venus Williams to unveil low-priced sportswear (2007)

• ESPN.com: Venus ends remarkable run with fourth title (2007)

• Every Day with Rachel Ray: Venus Williams Interview (2007)

• SI.com: Sportswoman of the Year 2000 (2000)

• ESPN.com: Venus Williams

• Topix: Venus Williams

• New York Times: Venus Williams Articles