Age is usually a cruel metric in professional sports. If you're a tennis player hitting thirty, the media starts drafting your retirement obituary. But then you look at the Williams sisters. They basically broke the clock. People keep asking how old are venus & serena williams because, frankly, seeing them on a court in 2026 feels like a glitch in the matrix—in the best way possible.
As of right now, in January 2026, Venus Williams is 45 years old. Her younger sister, Serena Williams, is 44.
Let that sink in for a second. Most of the players they are facing today weren't even born when Venus made her first US Open final in 1997. It’s wild. We’re talking about a multi-generational dominance that has lasted over three decades. While Serena has mostly "evolved" away from the game to focus on venture capital and her family, Venus is still out here taking wild cards and making history.
The Current Numbers: How Old Are Venus & Serena Williams Today?
If you want the exact specifics for your trivia night or just to settle a bet, here is the breakdown. Venus Ebony Starr Williams was born on June 17, 1980, in Lynwood, California. Serena Jameka Williams followed quickly after on September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan.
There is only a 15-month age gap between them.
- Venus Williams: 45 years old (Born June 17, 1980)
- Serena Williams: 44 years old (Born September 26, 1981)
It's kinda funny because they’ve been "the Williams sisters" for so long that we forget they are individual humans with very different career arcs. Serena became the GOAT with 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Venus, with 7 of her own, became the blueprint for longevity. Honestly, the fact that Venus is still entering draws like the 2026 Australian Open at 45 is arguably one of the most underrated feats in all of sports.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With Their Age
Usually, when people search for how old are venus & serena williams, it’s not just about a birth certificate. It’s about disbelief.
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Think about the physical toll. Professional tennis involves violent lateral movements, constant pounding on hard courts, and a travel schedule that would break most CEOs. Most players "peak" between 22 and 27. By 32, they are usually "veterans." By 40? They are usually in the commentary booth.
The Williams sisters didn't just play into their 40s; they remained relevant. Serena reached four Grand Slam finals after giving birth to her daughter Olympia in 2017. Venus reached the Australian Open and Wimbledon finals in 2017 at the age of 37. They’ve spent their "retirement years" outperforming most teenagers.
A Career That Spans Eras
To understand why their current age matters, you have to look at who they’ve played. They started their careers playing against legends like Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis. They dominated the era of Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin. And then, they stuck around long enough to play the next generation, like Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka.
Venus turning pro in 1994 means she has been a professional athlete for 32 years. That is insane. Most people don't even keep a hobby for 32 years, let alone a high-intensity career.
There was a time when critics said they wouldn't last. In the early 2000s, people thought their "power game" would blow out their knees by age 25. Then, when Venus was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome in 2011, everyone assumed that was the end. Instead, she changed her diet, adjusted her training, and played for another 15 years.
The Sibling Dynamic
Being only 15 months apart meant they were always in it together. Richard Williams, their father, famously planned their careers before they were even born. But he also did something smart: he didn't overplay them as juniors.
While other kids were burning out on the USTA junior circuit at 12 years old, the Williams sisters were at home in Florida, practicing with each other. This protected their bodies and, more importantly, their minds. It's likely the main reason we are still talking about them in 2026.
What’s Next for the Williams Sisters?
Serena seems pretty set in her post-tennis life. She’s busy with Serena Ventures, her fashion line, and being a mom to two daughters. There are always rumors of a comeback—especially when she’s spotted hitting balls—but at 44, she seems to have found peace with her 23 Slams.
Venus is the wildcard. She’s currently ranked outside the top 500, but she doesn't seem to care. She’s playing for the love of the game. Seeing a 45-year-old Venus Williams step onto center court is a reminder that you don't have to quit just because the calendar says so.
If you’re tracking their journey, here are a few things to keep an eye on:
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- Venus's Schedule: She tends to target the grass season and major hard-court events. Don't expect her to play 20 tournaments a year, but watch for her at Wimbledon.
- Serena's Business: She’s becoming as much of a powerhouse in the boardroom as she was on the court. Her venture fund focuses on diverse founders, which is a massive shift in the VC world.
- Legacy Events: Both sisters are heavily involved in their various foundations and tennis clinics. They are literally building the next generation of players who will eventually break their records.
The next time someone asks you how old are venus & serena williams, tell them the truth: they are 45 and 44, respectively. But also remind them that age is just a number when you've already spent thirty years rewriting the history books.
To keep up with their latest moves, follow the official WTA rankings or Serena’s business updates through her social channels. Watching how they navigate this "third act" of their lives provides a masterclass in how to transition from being a world-class athlete to a global icon.