Tennis star Serena Williams signs deal for two tell-all books with Random House

Tennis legend, Serena Williams, is shifting her focus from sports to writing, after announcing that she has just signed a two-book contract with Random House Publishing Group. These upcoming publications will take readers on an intimate journey into the lives and experiences of one of our generation's best sportsmen.

The first book, billed as a "intimate" biography, will peel back the layers of Serena's life, exposing everything from her childhood and tennis training, which will be included in the 2021 film "King Richard," to her incredible career and the numerous obstacles she has faced along the way. This book, which does not yet have a title or a publishing date, will provide readers an inside peek into the tennis legend's life.

Serena Williams, who gave birth to her second child in August, discussed her new venture, saying, "For so long, all I was focused on was winning, and I never sat down to look back and reflect on my life and career." I've really loved spending time with my growing family over the previous year to celebrate my triumphs and explore my other hobbies. I couldn't be in a better position to address such a personal and sensitive subject, and there's no one I'd prefer work with than the Random House team."


The second book, which has not yet been named, is likely to be a "inspirational" work. According to Random House, it will offer a set of life rules drawn from Serena Williams' experiences as a philanthropist and advocate, her journey as an investment unicorn with Serena Ventures, and her dedication to empowering a diverse and emerging generation of young women, emphasizing that their dreams extend beyond the tennis court.

Serena Williams, who declared her "evolution" away from professional tennis just before the 2022 U.S. Open, last graced the court at that event, securing a second-round victory over No. 2-ranked Anett Kontaveit before a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic.

Her illustrious tennis career boasts 23 Grand Slam titles in singles, 14 in doubles, over 300 weeks as the world's No. 1 ranked player, and four Olympic gold medals. Equally, she is celebrated for shattering racial and gender barriers not only in tennis but also in the wider sports and societal landscape.

In a Vogue essay from the previous year, Williams expressed her aspiration to encourage women athletes to be themselves on the court, playing with power and expressing their individuality.

This foray into writing is not Serena Williams' maiden venture. She authored a memoir in 2009 titled "On the Line" and, more recently, a picture story named "The Adventures of Qai Qai."

In their press release, Random House described Serena's upcoming memoir as an "open-hearted exploration of the experiences that have shaped her life." It will include insights on overcoming scrutiny and attacks in a predominantly white and male-dominated sport, navigating both on and off-court setbacks, finding love with tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, promoting body diversity and expanding style boundaries in sports and pop culture, raising awareness about maternal health disparities, and her profound commitment as a mother to her daughters, Olympia and Adira.

Serena Williams' forthcoming books promise to offer readers a unique opportunity to peer into the life of the tennis legend, sharing her victories, adversities, and inspiring lessons for the future.