Venus Williams is 46 years old as of September 5, 2026. She was born on June 17, 1980. As one of the oldest active players in professional tennis, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion continues to compete at the highest level, recently appearing at both the French Open and the U.S. Open in 2026.
Her remarkable longevity in a sport known for its physical demands has made her age a topic of frequent fan interest. While many players retire in their early 30s, Williams has defied expectations, competing well into her mid-40s and inspiring a generation of athletes who see age as just a number.
When Is Venus Williams’ Birthday?
Venus Ebony Starr Williams was born on June 17, 1980, in Lynwood, California. She is the daughter of Richard Williams and Oracene Price, and grew up in Compton, California, alongside her sisters, including Serena Williams.
Key birthday facts:
- Birth Date: June 17, 1980
- Birthplace: Lynwood, California, USA
- Current Age (as of September 2026): 46 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Height: 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 meters)
Venus Williams’ Age in 2026: A Timeline
| Year | Age | Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 | Born in Lynwood, California |
| 1994 | 14 | Began professional career |
| 2000 | 20 | Wins first Wimbledon singles title; Olympic gold medalist |
| 2007 | 27 | Wins Wimbledon and earns World No. 1 ranking |
| 2017 | 37 | Reaches Australian Open final |
| 2022 | 42 | Competes in U.S. Open |
| 2025 | 45 | Plays at U.S. Open and French Open |
| 2026 | 46 | Active on tour; competes at French Open doubles and U.S. Open |
Venus Williams’ Early Life
Venus Williams was introduced to tennis at a young age by her father, Richard Williams, who saw tennis as a path to a better life for his daughters. The family’s story became widely known through the film King Richard, which chronicled the early years of Venus and Serena’s development.
Growing up in Compton, Venus trained on public courts, often practicing for hours despite challenging conditions. Her father’s unconventional approach—including keeping her away from junior tournaments—allowed her to develop her game without the pressure of the competitive circuit.
By 1994, at just 14 years old, Venus turned professional. Her transition to the professional tour was relatively smooth, and she quickly became known for her powerful serve and aggressive playing style that would redefine women’s tennis.
Venus Williams’ Greatest Tennis Achievements
Venus Williams’ career is filled with extraordinary accomplishments. She has won 49 career singles titles and remains one of the most decorated tennis players in history.
| Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grand Slam Singles Titles | 7 (5 Wimbledon, 2 U.S. Open) |
| Grand Slam Doubles Titles | 14 (all with Serena Williams) |
| Wimbledon Singles Titles | 5 (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008) |
| U.S. Open Singles Titles | 2 (2000, 2001) |
| Career-High Singles Ranking | No. 1 (2002) |
| Career-High Doubles Ranking | No. 1 |
| Olympic Medals | 4 Gold Medals (1 singles, 3 doubles) |
| Prize Money | Over $43 million |
Grand Slam Singles Titles Breakdown:
- Wimbledon: 5 titles (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008)
- U.S. Open: 2 titles (2000, 2001)
- Australian Open: 2 runner-up finishes (2003, 2017)
- Roland Garros: 1 runner-up finish (2002)
Grand Slam Doubles Titles (with Serena): 14 titles, including:
- Wimbledon: 6 titles
- Australian Open: 3 titles
- Roland Garros: 2 titles
- U.S. Open: 3 titles
Venus Williams at Wimbledon
Wimbledon has been Venus Williams’ greatest stage. She is a five-time singles champion at the All England Club, winning her first title in 2000 and her most recent in 2008. Her grass-court game was considered among the greatest in tennis history, combining her powerful serve with exceptional court coverage.
At Wimbledon, she also achieved success in doubles, winning six women’s doubles titles alongside her sister Serena. The Williams sisters have an iconic record at Wimbledon, with both singles and doubles success that cemented their legacy at the tournament.
In 2026, Venus and Serena reunited to play doubles at Wimbledon, marking another chapter in their storied careers at the tournament. The sisters returned to the U.S. Open doubles tournament together in September 2026 for the first time in four years.
Venus Williams and Serena Williams: Sisters Who Changed Tennis
No discussion of Venus Williams is complete without mentioning her younger sister, Serena. The Williams sisters have been the most dominant force in women’s tennis for over two decades, collectively winning over 30 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 major doubles titles together.
Their relationship includes:
- Professional Rivals: They have faced each other in Grand Slam finals multiple times, with Serena winning the majority of their meetings.
- Doubles Partners: Together, they won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals.
- Mutual Support: Despite their fierce competition, the sisters have always been each other’s biggest supporters, often cheering from the stands during finals.
Their influence extends far beyond tennis. As Black women in a sport that was historically dominated by white players, they broke barriers and inspired millions around the world. Their impact on tennis, sports culture, and society remains immeasurable.
Venus Williams’ Playing Style and Legacy
Venus Williams is known for her distinctive playing style, which changed women’s tennis. At her peak, she possessed one of the most powerful serves in the history of the sport, regularly hitting serves over 120 mph. Her athleticism and court coverage were unmatched, allowing her to dominate rallies from the baseline.
Key elements of her game:
- Powerful Serve: Often considered one of the best serves in women’s tennis history
- Aggressive Baseline Play: Used heavy groundstrokes to push opponents off the court
- Court Coverage: Exceptional speed and anticipation
- Longevity: Competing at a high level into her 40s, inspiring players across generations
Her legacy includes seven Grand Slam singles titles, 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, and four Olympic gold medals. She helped build the modern women’s game, proving that power and athleticism could be combined with grace and style.
What Is Venus Williams Doing Now in 2026?
As of 2026, Venus Williams remains active in professional tennis. At 46, she is the oldest active player on the WTA tour.
Recent 2026 Activities:
- French Open: In May 2026, Venus competed in the doubles competition at Roland Garros alongside Hailey Baptiste. This marked her return to the clay court for the first time in five years following a lengthy health battle.
- Wimbledon: Venus and Serena reunited to play doubles at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.
- U.S. Open: The sisters played together in the women’s doubles tournament at the U.S. Open in September 2026 for the first time in four years. Venus also played singles, falling to fellow American Sofia Kenin in the first round in what could have been her final singles appearance at a Grand Slam.
After the match, Venus was not ready to announce her retirement, telling reporters: “I don’t think I should have to. My mind is fully focused on that: how I recover from this completely insane evening and get ready for the next one.”
Williams has also expressed why she continues to play, explaining her passion for the sport and her desire to compete at the highest level despite her age.
Venus Williams’ Age Compared With Other Tennis Legends
| Player | Date of Birth | Age in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Venus Williams | June 17, 1980 | 46 |
| Serena Williams | September 26, 1981 | 45 |
| Roger Federer | August 8, 1981 | 45 |
| Rafael Nadal | June 3, 1986 | 40 |
| Novak Djokovic | May 22, 1987 | 39 |
| Martina Navratilova | October 18, 1956 | 70 (retired) |
Venus is one of the oldest active players in professional tennis, along with her sister Serena. Her longevity is remarkable, as most players retire in their mid-to-late 30s. She is also one of the few players from the 1990s and 2000s still competing on the WTA tour.
Venus Williams’ Personal and Professional Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1980 | Born in Lynwood, California |
| 1994 | Turns professional |
| 1997 | Reaches first Grand Slam singles final (U.S. Open) |
| 2000 | Wins first Wimbledon singles title; Olympic gold medalist |
| 2001 | Wins first U.S. Open singles title |
| 2002 | Becomes World No. 1 |
| 2005 | Wins third Wimbledon title |
| 2007 | Wins fourth Wimbledon title; becomes World No. 1 |
| 2008 | Wins fifth Wimbledon title |
| 2010 | Wins doubles title at Wimbledon with Serena |
| 2016 | Wins doubles title at Wimbledon with Serena |
| 2017 | Reaches Australian Open final |
| 2022 | Competes in U.S. Open |
| 2025 | Plays at U.S. Open and French Open |
| 2026 | Competes at French Open and U.S. Open; reunites with Serena for doubles at Wimbledon and U.S. Open |
Key Facts Box
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Age | 46 years old (as of 2026) |
| Born | June 17, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Lynwood, California, USA |
| Height | 6’0″ (1.83 m) |
| Profession | Professional tennis player, entrepreneur |
| Sister | Serena Williams |
| Grand Slam Singles Titles | 7 |
| Wimbledon Singles Titles | 5 |
| U.S. Open Singles Titles | 2 |
| Career-High Singles Ranking | No. 1 |
| Olympic Gold Medals | 4 |
| Career Prize Money | Over $43 million |
FAQ
How old is Venus Williams?
Venus Williams is 46 years old as of September 2026. She was born on June 17, 1980.
How old is Venus Williams in 2026?
Venus Williams is 46 years old in 2026. She will turn 47 on June 17, 2027.
When is Venus Williams’ birthday?
Venus Williams’ birthday is June 17. She was born on June 17, 1980.
When was Venus Williams born?
Venus Williams was born on June 17, 1980, in Lynwood, California, USA.
How old was Venus Williams when she became a professional?
Venus Williams turned professional in 1994 at the age of 14.
How many Grand Slam titles has Venus Williams won?
Venus Williams has won 7 Grand Slam singles titles, including 5 Wimbledon titles and 2 U.S. Open titles. She has also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.
How many Wimbledon titles has Venus Williams won?
Venus Williams has won 5 Wimbledon singles titles (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008) and 6 doubles titles.
Are Venus and Serena Williams sisters?
Yes, Venus and Serena Williams are sisters. Venus is the older sister, born June 17, 1980, while Serena was born on September 26, 1981.
Is Venus Williams still playing tennis in 2026?
Yes, Venus Williams is still active in professional tennis in 2026. She competed at the French Open and U.S. Open and reunited with Serena for doubles at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2026.
What is Venus Williams doing now?
As of 2026, Venus Williams is continuing her tennis career, though she has suggested she may be considering retirement. She competed in the French Open doubles, Wimbledon doubles, and the U.S. Open in 2026.
What is Venus Williams known for?
Venus Williams is known for being one of the greatest tennis players in history, winning 7 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. She is also a four-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most influential athletes in women’s sports.