Friends, rivals and fans answer 'What Serena means to me'

ByABC News
September 29, 2016, 11:40 AM

— -- She has 22 Grand Slam titles and her own clothing line. She has earned more than $80 million in prize money and spent nearly six years as the No. 1 tennis player in the world. So what to get Serena Williams on her 35th birthday? We present perspective, from friends, rivals and fans, all of whom told us what Serena means to them.

"I didn't know anything about tennis, but I definitely knew who Serena Williams was. I remember being out on tour with Destiny's Child. She came to a show and she and I haven't stopped talking since that day. We just clicked. She's always seemed to find a way to make me laugh, let me know when I'm at my greatest, but will also let me know when I'm at my worst, and that's when true friendship is tested. It's how honest one can be with you. How she balances being the No. 1 tennis player in the world and a No. 1 friend baffles me. She is the friend that I prayed and asked God for, whom I also deeply admire. My lifelong friend. Serena Williams."

-- Kelly Rowland, singer