Serena Williams celebrates milestone with 26th year on Tour

Regarded as arguably the greatest tennis player of all time, Serena Williams has established a legacy on and off the court that will last forever.

The American has created and shattered records during her illustrious career, and this all began exactly 26 years ago. On October 28 1995, Williams participated in her first WTA professional match in Quebec city at the tender age of just 14 years old.

Williams was granted a wild-card entry to the Bell Challenge in Quebec, where she lost 6-1 6-1 in the first round to American Anne Miller. The teenage Williams would receive a check worth $240 for her efforts, but would use that defeat as a stepping stone to becoming the best player in the world.

Now aged 40, Williams has accumulated numerous titles, including 23 Grand Slam trophies. The former World No.1 is hoping to add to her Major trophy haul next year, when she competes at the Australian Open in January.