5 most endearing pictures from Serena Williams' childhood ft. sister Venus & father Richard

Serena Williams is one of the most successful tennis players of all time. The retired American superstar has won 23 singles Grand Slam titles along with 14 doubles titles, making her the most decorated women's player of all time.

The 42-year-old was destined for greatness from her early days when she trained with her sister Venus and father Richard.

Williams started playing tennis at the age of 4 and soon became one of the best junior players in America. She was ranked among the top 10 players in Florida at age 10 while training at the Rick Macci Tennis Academy. She started playing professionally at the age of 16 and took the tennis world by storm.

Serena and Venus Williams both made it to the top of the women's game and were World No. 1 for multiple weeks. The duo was coached during their initial days by their father Richard, who played a big role in their professional development. Here are five endearing pictures from Serena Williams' childhood.

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#1 The sisters with their father

Richard Williams moved Venus and Serena to Boca Raton, Florida as they joined the Rick Macci Academy there. Both the young American stars were impressive with their performances. Their potential turned into results as they both won Grand Slam titles soon after their professional debut.

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#2 The sisters playing chess at their Compton house

Serena Williams and Venus Williams were very close growing up. The two sisters were pictured together playing chess in their early years when they lived in Compton, California.

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#3 Serena Williams practising on the court as a kid

This picture of Serena Williams practicing her serves is instantly iconic. The American who was known for her big serving game throughout the course of her career developed her skills from a young age, which later propelled her to greatness.

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#4 The sisters with President Ronald Reagan

Serena Williams and Venus Williams pose with former American President Ronald Reagan. He was present at the Nancy Reagan Tennis Tournament in 1991 and clicked a picture with Venus, 10 and Serena, 8.

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#5 The sisters pose during their early professional days

Serena and Venus Williams were both destined for greatness as soon as they made their professional debuts. The 'Williams sisters' took the tennis world by storm, grabbing the headlines and attracting interest from all over the world. They became instant stars with reporters and photographers queuing up for them.