Why Serena Williams Wears Black Tape on Her Face

Serena Williams wears small strips of black kinesiology tape on her cheeks during tennis matches to help alleviate symptoms from chronic sinus and nasal congestion issues that used to impact her performance. The elastic athletic tape gently lifts the skin to promote circulation and drainage in affected areas around her sinuses.

Serena‘s Battle with Sinus Problems

Early in her historic career, which includes 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Serena opened up about how she suffers from debilitating sinus problems that interfere with her ability to play her best tennis. She would often get severe headaches and have trouble breathing properly during intense three-set matches due to congestion and irritation in her sinus cavity.

After consulting with medical experts, Serena began applying small patches of kinesiology tape to specific pressure points on her face to help mitigate her symptoms. The tape‘s gentle lifting motion improves circulation and lymph drainage around the sinuses, while providing stabilizing support. This allows Serena to power through matches with clear breathing and reduced pain.

A Look at Serena‘s Upbringing and Path to Tennis Greatness

Serena, along with older sister Venus, was introduced to tennis at a very young age by her father Richard Williams in their hometown of Compton, California. Compton is known for high rates of crime and poverty, but Richard was determined to help his daughters transcend their surroundings.

Richard, with no formal tennis training himself, diligently coached Serena and Venus using unconventional techniques on the public courts of Compton. The sisters followed an intense training regimen under their father’s guidance. Serena started playing tennis at age 3 and won her first regional tournament at age 4.

Serena’s mother Oracene provided guidance and support as well. The family faced significant financial hardship and discrimination in pursuing tennis. But Serena and Venus kept developing their skills and unique power-based playing style.

Serena turned pro at just 14 years old after moving to Florida with her family to further advance her tennis career. She won her first Grand Slam title at the 1999 U.S. Open at 17.

Serena‘s Grand Slam Singles Titles Record

• 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era
• Won at least 1 Grand Slam for 10 consecutive years
• Completed the "Serena Slam" twice, winning 4 consecutive Slams
• Oldest woman to win Wimbledon (2021 at age 39)

Serena‘s Dominance by the Numbers

Serena‘s Mother Oracene‘s Net Worth Stands at $10 Million

Serena‘s mother Oracene Price has an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to financial reports. The bulk of Oracene‘s wealth comes from the championship success and lucrative careers built by her daughters Venus and Serena Williams.

While Oracene maintained a modest upbringing for Venus and Serena in Compton, her coaching and support alongside their father Richard helped unlock their prodigious talents in tennis. Once the sisters starting rising to stardom and earning million-dollar paychecks, Oracene benefited financially as well.

Oracene, now 72 years old, kept her own career and professional background private over the years while focusing her energy on raising Serena and Venus. She was known to take some nursing classes at one point, but nursing did not become her main career path.

Serena Has Amassed a $210 Million Net Worth

Serena has built an incredible net worth of $210 million as one of the highest paid athletes in the world. She has earned over $94 million in career prize money from tournament wins, the most all-time career earnings for a female tennis player.

Her long endorsement deal with Nike is estimated to be worth over $55 million alone. She also has lucrative partnerships with brands like Gatorade, Audemars Piguet, Beats by Dre, Wilson, and more.

Off the court, Serena has invested in over 60 startups, including companies like Billie, Daily Harvest, and Masterclass. In 2014, she founded her fashion brand, S by Serena. And in 2009, she became a minority owner of the NFL‘s Miami Dolphins.

Serena‘s track record of championships plus her business acumen have cemented her status as not just the wealthiest female athlete, but one of the richest self-made American women overall.

Inspiring African American Girls to Play Tennis

Throughout her legendary career, Serena Williams has broken barriers as an African American tennis superstar coming out of the tough streets of Compton. The prevalence of black women in professional tennis today, including her own sister Venus, is a testament to the limitations she shattered for those coming behind her.

Serena‘s confident on-court presence and bold fashion statements have inspired millions of black girls to pursue the traditionally white-dominated sport of tennis. By continuing to excel at the highest levels while wearing eye-catching outfits adorned with kinesiology tape, she shows future generations the greatness that is possible.