A fun, easy-to-read, laudatory description of the tennis great . . . The episodic narrative traces Williams's phenomenal tennis career, her close relationship with her sister, and her forays into the fashion world. More analytically, the text also considers Williams's role as a celebrity Black woman in the world and how she has used her success and position to influence and support others . . . a welcome tribute to an athlete who is arguably one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Choice Reviews

A complex figure deserves a complex biography. Merlisa Lawrence Corbett delivers an ace from a daring angle.

Jon Wertheim, executive editor, Sports Illustrated

The Williams sisters have been inspirational in so many ways beyond tennis, most notably in their ability to remain close despite an obvious and inevitable rivalry in their sport. Merlisa Lawrence Corbett tells that story, and of how Serena was able to grow from her older sister's considerable shadow to become the predominant athlete of her age, with the sort of tenacity and grace one might have witnessed in one of those Williams vs. Williams finals from Grand Slams past.

Mike DeCourcy, Senior Writer, Sporting News

For as long as Serena Williams has been a superstar within and beyond the sports world, it has seemed as if we've known so much about her. Yet we have always sensed there was so much more to her, and hungered to know it and understand where she came from and how that made her who she is. Thanks to this biography-and this author and her blend of expertise, diligence, and journalistic skills-now we know what we were missing. The complete story of who Serena is, why she is, and why the world is different because of her, has been long overdue. Now it's here.

David Steele, award-winning sports journalist, co-author, Silent Gesture: The Autobiography of Tommie Smith

A welcome addition to the collection of any Serena enthusiast. Merlisa thoroughly details both the on-court brilliance that has made Serena perhaps the greatest tennis player of all time, but also charts the shrewd and inspiring construction of a business empire once thought to be beyond an athlete's reach.

Howard Bryant, author, The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron

Merlisa Lawrence Corbett totally captures the essence of tennis icon Serena Williams in her new book, Serena Williams: Tennis Champion, Sports Legend, and Cultural Heroine.

Merlisa has done what few others have as she offers an inside look at all things Serena. As a noted tennis aficionado and an accomplished writer, Merlisa reaches deeply into her own soul to help us understand who Serena really is-and that's what Merlisa really captures. Most of us see Serena only on camera during her tournaments, but there is so much more to her than her competitiveness in sport. In her book, Merlisa takes us behind the scenes for a new look at Serena. Who really is this activist, mother, wife, and business icon? With her wonderfully entertaining and informative style of writing, Merlisa addresses all of that, and so much more.

Barry Cooper, former journalist and Pulitzer Prize Nominee