Serena Williams: The Tennis Superstar Who Forgot to Collect Her Millions

Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, had a unique approach to her earnings early in her career. Despite amassing a staggering .8 million in prize money, she was so focused on winning that she would often forget to collect her winnings, leaving a "decent chunk" of her earnings behind. This remarkable story sheds light on Williams' unwavering dedication to the sport and the valuable financial lessons she learned along the way.

Chasing Greatness, Forgetting the Riches

Singular Focus on Performance

Serena Williams' early career was marked by an intense focus on her performance on the court. She was so driven to win that the financial rewards of her success were often an afterthought. "I never played for money," Williams said. "I played because I loved the sport ... I wanted to win." This singular focus led her to nearly leave behind a significant portion of her earnings, as she was more concerned with improving her game than collecting her winnings.

Forgetting to Collect Winnings

Williams' early career was punctuated by instances where she would nearly leave cities without picking up her prize money. In her first professional match, a qualifying loss at the 1995 Bell Challenge in Quebec City, Canada, she earned a 0 check, which she had no immediate plans to cash. Even when she received her first million-dollar check, Williams was more interested in depositing it and getting back to work than celebrating the milestone.

Relying on Reminders from Her "Tax Guy"

As Williams' career progressed, her financial team had to regularly remind her to collect her winnings. Her "tax guy" would often ask, "You didn't get your money?" to which Williams would respond, "Oh, I didn't get that one in Zurich. I forgot that one in Moscow." This pattern of forgetting to collect her earnings was a testament to Williams' unwavering focus on improving her game and winning championships.

Empowered to Manage Her Finances

Despite her early struggles with financial management, Williams was empowered by her father, Richard, to take charge of her own finances from a young age. He ensured that she was involved in negotiations with sponsors like Puma and Nike, teaching her the importance of understanding her financial situation and making informed decisions.

Lessons Learned: Prioritizing Financial Literacy

Williams' experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of financial literacy, especially for young athletes and professionals. By starting to teach kids basic money management skills as early as ages 5 to 8, they can be well-equipped to handle their finances effectively by the time they reach their teenage years. This early education can help prevent the kind of oversight that Williams experienced in her early career, ensuring that individuals are prepared to manage their earnings and make informed financial decisions.

Serena's Legacy: Inspiring Financial Responsibility

Serena Williams' remarkable tennis career and her unique approach to her earnings have left a lasting impact. Her story not only highlights the importance of financial literacy but also serves as an inspiration for young athletes and professionals to prioritize their financial well-being while pursuing their passions. By sharing her experiences, Williams has demonstrated that even the most successful individuals can benefit from a strong foundation in personal finance, and that it's never too early to start building that knowledge.