Here are unknown facts about Serena Williams
Serena Williams is a legendary name in the world of tennis. She is undoubtedly one of the greatest tennis players of the Open Era. Having won 23 Grand Slam titles, she has cemented her legacy. However, how much do you exactly know about Serena outside the tennis court? From her family background to boycotting Indian Wells, here are some unknown facts about her.
Started her tennis career in an unsafe environment
Most of the successful tennis players start their career at a young age. Serena too started it at the tender age of five in Compton, California, as she was determined to achieve it all. However, her surrounding was unsafe as quite often, gunfire would open up between the local gang members. Wonder how was she able to concentrate in such a hostile atmosphere.
She survived a near death experience
If we take a look at Serena, she looks sublime, along with her great athletic physique. However, despite having focusing on her health, she suffered a blood clot in her lungs in 2011. She was required to undergo emergency surgery, which saved her life. However, a delay could have possibly jeopardized her chances of being alive.
She lost her half-sister in a gunfight
Serena might have scripted enormous success in her professional career, but her personal life did involve a massive heart-breaking tragedy. Back in 2003, Serena's half-sister Yetunde Price was involved in a gunfight in Los Angeles. While the goons originally targeted her boyfriend, who was driving the car, Yetunde suffered the disastrous fate as she died in this gunfight.
She is not of Jamaican descent
In case one doesn't know, her full name is Serena Jameka Williams. While she does not use her middle name often, it is an interesting one. Although there is no explanation behind her middle name, it is widely believed that it could be possible that she is of Jamaican descent. However, that's not the case as she has African-American descendants.
She boycotted Indian Wells tournament for 14 years
Controversy has not just engulfed Serena, but also her family. In 2001, she and her family were mistreated during the Indian Wells tournament, which she had won. Following the situation, she was so angry and upset that she decided to boycott the tournament for 14 years. It was not before 2015 when she played the tournament again.
