In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where the allure of fame and fortune often overshadows the essence of the sport, Serena Williams stands out as a unique figure. In the early days of her career, while her rivals were undoubtedly eyeing the prize money and sponsorships that come with victory, Serena had her mind set on something far more valuable—winning. So focused was she on her passion for tennis that she often forgot to collect her prize money. Yes, you read that correctly: Serena Williams, the greatest female tennis player of all time, was so engrossed in the sport she loved that she repeatedly left her winnings behind.
When reflecting on this surprising fact, Serena herself confirmed it with a casual, “All true.” But for anyone who has followed her illustrious 27-year career, this revelation isn’t as shocking as it might initially seem. Serena’s love for tennis is evident in every powerful serve, every fierce forehand, and every victory celebration. The 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 73 career singles titles she earned are a testament to her relentless drive—not for money, but for the pure joy of the game.
“I never play for money. I play because I love this sport… I want to win,” Serena once stated. This philosophy not only defined her approach to tennis but also set her apart from many of her contemporaries. For Serena, tennis was never about the financial rewards, the glitzy endorsements, or the luxurious lifestyle. It was about the thrill of competition, the challenge of pushing herself to the limit, and the satisfaction of knowing she had given her all on the court.
This mindset is what made Serena Williams a legend. From a young age, Serena, along with her sister Venus, was groomed by their father, Richard Williams, to dominate the tennis world. But while Richard’s coaching undoubtedly laid the foundation for her success, it was Serena’s innate passion and love for the sport that propelled her to heights that few could have imagined.
Throughout her career, Serena faced numerous challenges—injuries, controversies, and the pressures of being in the spotlight. Yet, she always emerged stronger, using each setback as fuel for her next triumph. Her unmatched resilience and determination became an inspiration not just to aspiring tennis players but to millions around the world who admired her tenacity and unwavering focus.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Serena’s career is how she managed to balance her fierce competitive spirit with a sense of humility and grace. Even as she shattered records and redefined what it meant to be a female athlete, Serena never lost sight of what truly mattered to her: the love of the game. This is perhaps best exemplified by her early-career habit of forgetting to accept her prize money. For Serena, the real prize was always the victory itself, the knowledge that she had conquered her opponent and pushed herself closer to perfection.
As Serena’s career progressed, she inevitably became more aware of the financial aspect of the sport. But even as her earnings soared and her status as a global icon was cemented, she remained grounded in her love for tennis. This passion is what kept her going through the ups and downs, the wins and losses, and the numerous comebacks after injury or childbirth.
Today, as Serena Williams reflects on her storied career, she does so with the knowledge that she played the game on her terms. She didn’t chase the money or the fame; they were merely byproducts of her relentless pursuit of excellence. For Serena, tennis was never about the paycheck—it was about the joy of competition, the thrill of victory, and the unbreakable bond she formed with the sport she loves.
Serena Williams may have forgotten about prize money in her early days, but she never forgot why she played the game. And it is this pure, unadulterated love for tennis that will forever define her legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
