Venus Williams honored with new doll by Barbie, celebrating the American's fight for equality in tennis

WTA icon and trailblazer Venus Williams joined a list of inspiring women honored by Barbie, who created a new doll that celebrates the American's Wimbledon 2007 victory, in addition to her advocacy for equal prize money in tennis.

Barbie's Inspiring Women series was launched in 2018, created to pay tribute to women who have made extraordinary contributions to society. Honored icons include women from different fields of life, as aviator Amelia Earhart, civil rights leader Rosa Parks, NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, tennis champion Billie Jean King and artist Frida Kahlo have all been celebrated with a doll that tells their story.

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and former World No.1, is no stranger to forging a new path in her field. The American has championed equal rights in all of sports, and was the leading figure in demanding for equal payment at Grand Slam events for female tennis players.

The California native's doll will go on sale on Friday for a suggested retail price of $38 (£30). The doll will don the white outfit Williams wore when she won her fifth Grand Slam singles title at the 2007 Wimbledon Championships.

This will be Williams' second Barbie doll

In May 2024, the former World No.1 was one of nine trailblazing female athletes, including gymnast Rebeca Andrade and boxer Estelle Mossely, celebrated with dolls for Barbie’s 65th anniversary. The collection honored women who have “broken boundaries and inspired the next generation to believe they can be anything."

However, her most recent doll will depict the WTA star in classic Wimbledon white, complete with a green gem necklace, white wristband, tennis racket and ball. Creators Mattel stated the depiction represents Williams' powerful yet controlled presence, highlighting her sporting achievements and influence off the court.

"I am honored to join the Inspiring Women line," said Williams. "To be recognized in this way, alongside women I’ve long admired, is truly humbling."

After spending over a year sidelined due to injury, Williams was granted a wildcard entry to the 2025 US Open, an event she has won on two occasions.