- Serena Williams was still a teenager when she made a name for herself as a tennis prodigy in the 1990s.
- The athlete grew up in the spotlight, and astonishing photos capture her evolution — both on and off the court — over the years.
- However, social media users said the tennis star’s face looked “swollen” in recent photos and accused her of possible cosmetic enhancements.
Serena Williams playing against Samantha Stosur during the Women’s Singles Final on day fourteen of the 2011 US Open on September 11, 2011, in Queens, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams’ journey from a teenage tennis prodigy to an iconic sports legend is nothing short of remarkable. Recently, however, some of her latest images have sparked controversy. Social media users raised concerns, urging the tennis star to stop using what they believed to be Botox and fillers.
It was not the first time Serena Williams faced criticism about her appearance, as the tennis star once opened up about the heartbreaking things people said about her body. Here’s a look at her transformation through the years.
Serena Williams at the Louis Vuitton 2010 Cruise Collection launch on November 10, 2009, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams — 1999
Many tennis lovers were first introduced to Serena — born in Michigan but raised in Compton — in the 1990s. The talented player swung her racket in her first professional tennis match in 1995. She went on to win her first Grand Slam in September 1999 at 17 years old.
Serena and Venus Williams on the first day of the U.S. Open on August 23, 1997, at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, Queens. | Source: Getty Images
By the end of the decade, the future legend of the game was commonly recognized for her striking features, youthful and endearing smile, and iconic braids adorned with beads.
Serena Williams after winning the Evert Cup Final against Steffi Graf on March 13, 1999, in Indian Wells, California. | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams — 2000
By 2000, a 19-year-old Serena still had her youthful charm, but slowly began to come into her own as a young woman. On January 1, the young athlete wowed in a hot pink, mesh number while attending the Essence Awards.
She completed her look with multi-colored dangly earrings and delicate makeup. While the tennis player still rocked her signature braids, she no longer wore beads with them, shedding her juvenile image and appearing slightly more mature.
Serena Williams at the Essence Awards on January 1, 2000. | Source: Getty Images
Later that year, Serena was one of the many stars who attended the Teen Choice Awards. The athlete embraced her natural beauty in minimal makeup and wore her chocolate-brown braids out of her face and down her shoulder.
Serena Williams at the 2000 Teen Choice Award on August 6, 2000, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams — 2005
By 2005, Serena was a fully grown woman and certainly looked the part. She had completely shed the vibrant and youthful appearance of her younger years, characterized by her playful braids with beads and an understated style.
Instead, on September 9, the 23-year-old tennis player arrived at the Tommy Hilfiger show during Olympus Fashion Week and turned heads in a new hairdo. Her hair was styled in loose, voluminous curls, a departure from her usual braids.
Serena Williams at the Tommy Hilfiger show during Olympus Fashion Week on September 9, 2004, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Serena also wowed in a striking red blouse adorned with a chain-link pattern. This look, combined with her choice of subtle makeup, highlighted a more glamorous and sophisticated side of the athlete.
Serena’s new appearance also translated onto the tennis court. On January 29, she won the Australian Open Grand Slam in a weave with a ginger tint and bold earrings, suggesting a more confident and mature phase in her public image.
Serena Williams after winning the Women’s Final on day 13 of the Australian Open Grand Slam on January 29, 2005, in Melbourne, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams — 2007
Serena showed no signs of slowing down as a tennis champion by 2007. However, the athlete continued to play around with her style, taking to the court in different looks seemingly every game.
In March, she played in the final of the 2007 Sony Ericsson Open in a brown braided weave that fell down her back. The tennis player also rocked gold hooped earrings, a treasured piece of African-American culture and fashion.
Serena Williams playing the final of the 2007 Sony Ericsson Open on March 31, 2007, in Miami, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
By August, her appearance had changed once more. Serena took to the US Open court in a shorter and darker hairdo. She also brought glamour to the sports world in white diamond dangly earrings with a matching necklace.
Serena Williams playing in the US Open on August 29, 2007, in Flushing Meadows, New York. | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams — 2010
In early January, Serena was photographed speaking to the media in a brown weave, with a fringe and highlights. The tennis player continued to wow with her choice of subtle makeup, which complemented her fuller lips and striking features.
Serena Williams speaking to the press ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament on January 16, 2010, in Melbourne, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
By late January, Serena was the picture of elegance as she posed with the Daphne Akhurst Trophy after her women’s final match win during the 2010 Australian Open. Sadly, matters weren’t as positive off the tennis court.
Serena Williams posing with the Daphne Akhurst Trophy after her women’s final match win during the 2010 Australian Open on January 30, 2010, in Melbourne, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
During an interview, Serena revealed that in 2010, she learned she had blood clots in her lungs. The matter could have been fatal had it not been caught in time. “Ever since then, I’ve lived in fear of them returning,” Serena shared.
In 2011, the tennis player was treated for the condition. “I am doing better. I’m at home now and working with my doctors to keep everything under control. I know I will be O.K.,” Serena said in a statement.
Kim Kardashian and Serena Williams at Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm’s birthday party on June 9, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“While I can’t make any promises now on my return, I hope to be back by early summer. That said, my main goal is to make sure I get there safely,” the tennis player continued.
Serena Williams playing in the women’s quarter-final during the French Open tennis championship on June 2, 2010, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams — 2015
In 2015, Serena had a more sleek and polished appearance. On December 8, she took to the International Premier Tennis League competition court in a simple, black hairdo with a voluminous ponytail, forgoing her signature flair for jewelry.
Serena Williams playing in the women’s singles of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) competition on December 8, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
A few days later, the tennis player attended the grand opening of the Audemars Piguet Rodeo Drive Boutique in a sultry red lip and black locks that complemented her skin tone.
Serena Williams at the grand opening of the Audemars Piguet Rodeo Drive Boutique on December 9, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
By December 15, Serena walked the carpet at the 2015 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Ceremony with a slightly shorter hairstyle, maintaining her chic yet minimal makeup and style.
Serena Williams at the 2015 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Ceremony on December 15, 2015, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
2015 was the same year the tennis player met her husband, co-founder of the social news website Reddit, Alexis Ohanian. The couple’s paths crossed on May 12 at the Cavalieri Hotel, in Rome, Italy.
A year later, Alexis knew he wanted to marry Serena. “I felt like a door had been opened to a person who made me want to be my best self…I find myself just wanting to be better by simply being around her because of the standard she holds,” he said.
Serena Williams — 2017
In 2017, Serena basked in her pregnancy glow while attending The Costume Institute Benefit with her husband in New York. The tennis player walked the carpet with a slick-back hairstyle and a nude lip.
Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams at The Costume Institute Benefit on May 1, 2017, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Later that year, Serena was spotted donning an all-black ensemble paired with a floral kimono while watching her sister Venus Williams’ match on day 6 of the 2017 French Open at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris.
Serena Williams at her sister Venus Williams’ match on day 6 of the 2017 French Open at Roland Garros stadium on June 2, 2017, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
In September 2017, Serena’s sister confirmed that the tennis player had given birth to her first baby, Alexis Olympia Ohanian. “I’m super excited. Words can’t describe,” Venus shared.
“I’m so thrilled for her; what a role model she’s going to be for that daughter. I told Serena this: ‘It’s a love you’ve never felt before,’ and I know she’s probably experiencing that right now,” she continued.
Serena Williams — 2018
By 2018, Serena was back on the tennis court after giving birth, collecting more accolades and breaking records. On March 10, she celebrated her victory over Kiki Bertens during the BNP Paribas Open in California.
Serena Williams during the BNP Paribas Open on March 10, 2018, in Indian Wells, California. | Source: Getty Images
In April, Serena had a more vibrant and youthful appearance while appearing on season 5 of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” The tennis player donned a two-toned weave and a beautiful dress that showcased her athletic physique.
Serena Williams on season 5 of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on April 25, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
It was also in 2018 that Serena shed light on the open letter she had written to her mom about dealing with body-shamers. Serena originally shared the open letter on Reddit in September 2018.
In the open letter, the tennis player revealed that she would have no idea how to react if her daughter faced the same negative comments about her body Serena had been dealing with for years.
Serena Williams during the Women’s Singles Final of the 2018 US Open Tennis Tournament on September 8, 2018, in Queens, New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The tennis player wrote that she saw herself in her daughter, as the toddler had her mother’s strong and powerful body. However, this was the same body that was subjected to heartbreaking criticism.
Serena recalled how she had been told she looked like a man and didn’t belong in women’s sports, and how she been accused of using drugs. “I’ve been body-shamed basically since I’ve been in the public eye,” Serena told “The View” co-hosts in 2018.
Serena Williams during the Women’s Singles Final of the 2018 US Open Tennis Tournament on September 8, 2018, in Queens, New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The tennis player went on in her open letter to applaud her mother for dealing with her daughter’s body-shamers with grace. Thanks to her mother, Serena learned to love herself and her body over the years.
Serena Williams during the Women’s Singles Semi Final match of the 2018 US Open Tennis Tournament on September 6, 2018, in Queens, New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams — 2022
In August 2022, Serena officially announced her retirement from tennis. “I have never liked the word ‘retirement.’ It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me. I’ve been thinking of this as a transition,” she shared.
“Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is ‘evolution’. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me,” the tennis icon continued.
Serena Williams at the UK Gala screening of “Thor: Love and Thunder” on July 5, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
During this time, after years of being somewhat of a trendsetter when it came to wearing makeup on the tennis court, Serena was photographed more and more, looking all done up and glamorous.
In September, the tennis star attended the Michael Kors Collection Spring/Summer 2023 Runway Show with a flawless face of makeup and her hair pulled back.
Serena Williams at the Michael Kors Collection Spring/Summer 2023 Runway Show on September 14, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“I remember early on when I wore makeup — not even on the court but just around in the tennis arena — people would look twice. They’d be like, ‘Why is she wearing makeup?’ and I was like, ‘Well, this is me and this is what I like to do,’” Serena shared during an interview.
In November, Serena attended the 2022 Portrait of a Nation Gala and proved she’d become a master of cosmetics as she walked the carpet in a purple, sequined gown and the perfect face of makeup.
Serena Williams at the 2022 Portrait of a Nation Gala on November 12, 2022, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams — 2023
In 2023, Serena showed she still had the playful side of her younger days. She often rocked different hairstyles, like the sleek blonde bob and crimson lip she wore to the Balmain Womenswear Fall/Winter 2022/2023 show in France.
Serena Williams at the Balmain Womenswear Fall/Winter 2022/2023 show during Paris Fashion Week on March 2, 2022, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
In August, Serena appeared relaxed and au naturel while posing with her husband and daughter to announce the birth of her second child, Adira River Ohanian.
“I’m grateful to report our house is teaming with love: a happy & healthy newborn girl and happy & healthy mama. Feeling grateful (sic),” Alexis shared in part on Instagram.
By December, Serena was back to experimenting with her style and was seen watching a sports game and rocking a tightly-curled, two-toned hairdo and light makeup.
Serena Williams spotted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 2, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Serena Williams — 2024
In June 2024, nearly a year after welcoming her second child, Serena revealed that she was hard at work on getting her pre-baby body back. “I’m still getting there, I still have a little more baby weight to come off,” the tennis star said.
Serena Williams walking in the Vogue World: Paris at Place Vendome event on June 23, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
On July 1, Serena took to Instagram to give her fans an update on her weight-loss journey as she tried to fit into a denim skirt in a short clip. Though it was a tight squeeze, Serena acknowledged the progress she had made.
However, while Serena focused on losing the last bit of her baby weight, social media users were alarmed by the tennis star’s appearance on previous occasions.
In March, Vogue gave fans a behind-the-scenes look as Serena prepared for a Balmain fashion show, and one person commented, “I really like this woman but…please just say when and stop with the Botox, fillers or whatever is destroying your wonderful look! Please!”
Another user shared the same sentiment, typing in part, “The lip fillers are truly unnecessary. Where are her close friends?” A third person wrote, “What did Serena do to her face😮 she looks swollen.”
A fourth user added, “I love her but what is happening to her face?? Her eyebrows, her lips, the veneers…. What are these plastic surgeons doing?? People look increasingly frightening.”
“I want Serena to take the filters out her face and go back to her natural look!! This Fiona look is not sitting well with me…” a fifth Instagram user commented.
However, other people praised Serena’s beauty and style, with one person writing, “You look Amazing 👌☺️😍❤️🥂👍.” Another user shared, “Always amazing and beautiful Serena ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥😍.” A third typed, “Beautiful ✨️,” and a fourth commented, “Love that outfit❤❤❤.”
Through these images, we’ve witnessed Serena Williams’ remarkable journey over the years and her transformation — both on and off the court — from a youthful tennis prodigy to a confident and mature icon.
