Serena Williams has been named to TIME magazine`s 2025 list of the world`s 100 most influential people this week, marking her third time receiving this prestigious recognition. The list annually honors individuals worldwide who are shaping the world and driving progress.
Olympic track champion Allyson Felix penned the tribute for Williams` inclusion in the `Titans` category, alongside figures like gymnast Simone Biles, Hollywood star Blake Lively, and Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels. In her piece, Felix acknowledged Williams` resilience in overcoming pregnancy challenges and returning to competition after childbirth.
Felix highlighted that Williams, previously honored in 2010 and 2014 for her tennis achievements, exemplifies that athletes are multifaceted individuals beyond their sport. She praised Williams for her continued boundary-breaking endeavors.
Felix elaborated, `Whether it`s through her venture capital fund supporting women and minority-founded companies, her involvement in the ownership of the Toronto Tempo, a WNBA expansion team, or her Super Bowl halftime performance, she consistently demonstrates that athletes are far from one-dimensional.`
`She doesn’t have to engage in any of this. She could opt for a break from the public spotlight and focus on her family. Instead, she persists in leading the way. Numerous female athletes see themselves reflected in Serena. Her achievements resonate as victories for all of us,` Felix concluded.
Williams` selection was accompanied by an extensive profile written by Sean Gregory, where she openly discussed her business ventures, including Serena Ventures; influential female athletes like Caitlin Clark, with whom she recently connected; and her contentment with her transition away from tennis, despite feeling physically capable of competing on tour at 43.
`I`ve dedicated my entire life to tennis, and I would gladly give another two years if time permitted. However, it`s rewarding to explore different paths,` she stated.
Williams` styling for the magazine was done by Solange Franklin, with photography by Adrienne Raquel. Hair and makeup were by Angela Meadows and Natasha Gross — a look celebrated by Coco Gauff.
`[M]ost influential people of all time, it`s an incredible and deserved accomplishment,` Gauff commented after reaching the quarterfinals at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. `She has influenced millions, myself included. Not just in tennis, but globally, inspiring women to be strong, especially women of color.`
`It`s well-deserved, and unsurprising. Her photos were stunning.`
Rupert Caldwell