Venus Williams receives monumental honor from Mattel

Seven-time grand slam singles winner Venus Williams is joined by eight other female sports stars who were picked for the Role Model lineup, which was launched by Mattel for Barbie's 65th anniversary celebration. The group "champions female athletes and encourages young girls to follow in their sporting footsteps."

According to the Daily Mail, Williams' doll "shows the tennis star wearing a white terry cloth halter dress, a white visor and lace-up trainers — as well as some statement gold earrings as a nod to the tennis star's love of jewelry. The new doll also comes with a tennis ball and removable tennis racket, with movable limbs so she can strike various athletic poses."

"Throughout my career, I've always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie's mission couldn't resonate more deeply with that ethos," the elder sister of Serena Williams said. "I'm honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams."

Among the other women being represented in the collection are paratriathlete and doctor Susana Rodriguez, as well as Manchester City star forward Mary Fowler.

The 43-year-old Williams is one of the most successful players in women's tennis history, as her five Wimbledon singles championships are tied for fifth most all-time. While Serena retired in 2022, Venus began her 30th season in 2024.

Her most recent grand slam title came at Wimbledon in 2008. She last made a grand slam final at the 2017 Australian Open, where she fell to her younger sister in straight sets.