Even with her loss in the U.S. Open semifinal, 2015 was the year of Serena Williams. She won four consecutive slams from the 2014 U.S. Open to this year's Wimbledon title.
And Saturday is Serena's day: One of the greatest players in tennis history will be turning 34 years old.
Serena has been in the public eye for about two decades now, so it makes sense that so many aspects of her life and career are very well known. But there are also things about the 21-time champ that aren't. Here are five things you might have not known about the now 34-year-old tennis superstar.
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1
Serena Is A Minority Owner Of The Miami Dolphins
Miami Herald via Getty Images
In 2009, both Serena and Venus became minority owners of Miami's football franchise, making them the first black women to hold any type of ownership stake in an NFL team.
Serena subtly joked about her ownership stake in the team when she was profiled by New York Magazine earlier this year. Asked what she would do during retirement, the tennis superstar responded, "I will finally be able to make some Miami Dolphin games ... And make some, uh, better decisions down there with the players.”
Serena subtly joked about her ownership stake in the team when she was profiled by New York Magazine earlier this year. Asked what she would do during retirement, the tennis superstar responded, "I will finally be able to make some Miami Dolphin games ... And make some, uh, better decisions down there with the players.”
2
Serena Might Have Been A Veterinarian If She Wasn't A Tennis Player
Trans World Sport
In November 1992, Trans World Sport interviewed an 11-year-old Serena and a 12-year-old Venus at a Florida tennis academy.
Both Venus and Serena were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, and the Williams sisters understandably said they wanted to be tennis players.
When asked if there was something else they would want to do outside the sport, Serena immediately responded that she would want to be a veterinarian.
Try imagining Serena Williams screaming "COME ON!" after a successful surgery on a dog.
Both Venus and Serena were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, and the Williams sisters understandably said they wanted to be tennis players.
When asked if there was something else they would want to do outside the sport, Serena immediately responded that she would want to be a veterinarian.
Try imagining Serena Williams screaming "COME ON!" after a successful surgery on a dog.
3
Serena Is A Certified Nail Technician
CARL DE SOUZA via Getty Images
Serena Williams started taking classes to become a nail technician in early 2010.
"No one likes getting their nails done more than I do," Serena said in a blog post on the Global Grind. "As a matter of fact I go every 4 days to get a manicure and every 7 days for a pedicure. So, I had a brilliant idea to get certified to be a nail tech."
She used what she learned in her classes to give Oprah a pedicure.
"No one likes getting their nails done more than I do," Serena said in a blog post on the Global Grind. "As a matter of fact I go every 4 days to get a manicure and every 7 days for a pedicure. So, I had a brilliant idea to get certified to be a nail tech."
She used what she learned in her classes to give Oprah a pedicure.
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4
Serena Is A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
United Nations
On Sept. 20, 2011, UNICEF announced that Serena Williams would be working as a Goodwill Ambassador.
“Serena Williams isn’t just a world tennis champion, she is a champion for children — and a passionate advocate for providing every child with a quality education,” UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in 2011. “We are delighted that Serena is joining us as UNICEF’s newest Goodwill Ambassador and look forward to working together to win for children.”
The 21-time slam champion has taken on philanthropic initiatives around the world, including countries in Africa and Asia.
“Serena Williams isn’t just a world tennis champion, she is a champion for children — and a passionate advocate for providing every child with a quality education,” UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in 2011. “We are delighted that Serena is joining us as UNICEF’s newest Goodwill Ambassador and look forward to working together to win for children.”
The 21-time slam champion has taken on philanthropic initiatives around the world, including countries in Africa and Asia.
5
Serena Has Made Appearances on Numerous Television Shows
Getty Images/Simpsonsworld.com
Williams is truly a cultural icon. Her presence has transcended sport for many years now.
Over the years she has appeared in a number of television shows, including an episode of "ER" and "The Simpsons."
Serena has also made an appearance on "My Wife and Kids," as well as "The Bernie Mac Show."
Over the years she has appeared in a number of television shows, including an episode of "ER" and "The Simpsons."
Serena has also made an appearance on "My Wife and Kids," as well as "The Bernie Mac Show."