# Serena Williams's early career

The tennis career of Serena Williams began in 1995, but she did not compete in 1996. She continued through the 1997 season and ended in the top 20 in 1998. And was starting to already gain fame during these years of her doing tennis.

## 1995–1996

Williams's first professional event was in October 1995, at the age of 14, at the Bell Challenge in Quebec City. She lost in the first round of qualifying to world no. 149 Annie Miller in less than an hour of play and earned US$240 in prize money.
Williams did not play a tournament in 1996.

## 1997

Williams played the qualifying rounds of her first three tournaments of 1997, in the first round of State Farm Evert Cup, third round of Acura Classic and second round of European Indoor Championships, to Alexia Dechaume-Balleret, Magui Serna and Dominique Monami respectively. She then qualified for her first tour main draw when she defeated Magui Serna in the final round of qualifying at the Kremlin Cup, but lost in the first round of the main draw to compatriot Kimberly Po. In November, Williams entered the Ameritech Cup as a wild card and ranked no. 304. She earned her first main draw win against then world no. 27 Elena Likhovtseva in straight sets. In the next round, she upset world no. 7 Mary Pierce in two tight sets, with Williams failing to serve it out in the twelfth game of the second set but eventually won in a tie-break. In the quarterfinal she upset world no. 4 Monica Seles easing through the second and third sets, recording her first career wins over top 10 players and becoming the lowest-ranked player in the open era to defeat two top 10 opponents in one tournament. She also became the lowest ranked player to defeat a Top 5 player since unranked Stephanie Rehe defeated No. 3 Gabriela Sabatini at 1990 Hilton Head. She ultimately lost in the semifinals to world no. 5 Lindsay Davenport 4-6 in both sets. Her run in Chicago propelled Williams into the Top 100 for the first time in her career, and she finished 1997 ranked No. 99 in the world.
In doubles, she paired with sister Venus Williams in three events, reaching the quarterfinals of State Farm Evert Cup losing to third seeds Lindsay Davenport and Natasha Zvereva easily and the semifinals of the Ameritech Cup withdrawing before their match against compatriots Lindsay Davenport and Monica Seles.

## 1998
### Adidas International

Williams began her 1998 by entering the qualifying draw of the Adidas International. Williams qualified by defeating No. 64 Laura Golarsa in the final round losing just two games. In the main draw was made to work in three sets against Mirjana Lučić coming from a set down to advance. She then faced Frenchwoman Sandrine Testud and was a set and 3-0 up when her opponent retired. In the quarterfinals, Williams took on world no. 3 Lindsay Davenport. Williams was down a set and faced two match points in the 8th game of the second. Williams came back and won the last two sets in the 12th game of each. Williams's run was ended by Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in the semifinals when Williams fell, winning only 2 games in each set. World-ranked No. 53 on 19 January 1998, became the third-highest ranked player after three major-tour main draw events since 1976.

### Australian Open

Williams then competed in her first slam at the Australian Open. In her first match, she faced Romanian Irina Spîrlea. Spîrlea won the first set in a tie-breaker, however, Williams came back to take the next two sets with relative ease dropping just four games. In the following round, Williams faced her older sister Venus Williams in their first professional match. The first set went to a tie-break, which Venus won and from then on carried the momentum to win the second set only dropping one game.
Williams paired with sister Venus Williams and moved through the third round with straight set victory over Erika deLone and Liezel Horn, and a three-set comeback victory over Rika Hiraki and Mercedes Paz. However, they fell in straights to the Japanese duo of Naoko Kijimuta and Nana Smith.
Williams also played Mixed doubles and partnered with local Lleyton Hewitt, however, they faltered in the first round in straight sets to Natasha Zvereva and Andrew Florent.

### IGA Tennis Classic

Williams headed to the United States in Oklahoma in the IGA Tennis Classic. In the first round she faced compatriot Katrina Adams and won in straight sets in just 44 minutes, breaking Adams twice in both sets. She then faced Australian Annabel Ellwood in the following round and cruised through with a straight set victory. In the quarterfinals, she faced Joannette Kruger and fell in a lop-sided loss winning only two games in the match, one in each set.
In the doubles, she and sister Venus Williams cruised through their first title as a team without dropping a set defeating the teams of Surina De Beer and Lindsay Lee-Waters, Katrina Adams and Debbie Graham, Laura Golarsa and Liezel Horn, and Cătălina Cristea and Kristine Kunce in the final.

### State Farm Evert Cup and Lipton Championships

Williams then stayed in the USA, playing at the Lipton Championships. Williams began her tournament against Denisa Chládková and won easily losing four games including a bagel in the second set. In the next round she faced Irina Spîrlea, the world no. 10. The first set went to a tie-break, which Williams won, Williams then stormed through the second set with a bagel. By defeating 10th-ranked Spirlea in only her 16th career WTA Tour main-draw singles match, she defeated five Top 10 players faster than any player in the history of professional women's tennis, breaking the previous record set by Monica Seles in 1989 who recorded her fifth career Top 10 victory in her 33rd main-draw match. Williams then had an easier match in the Round of 32, defeating Barbara Paulus in straight sets. In the fourth round, she faced Swiss no. 2 Patty Schnyder, Williams won the first set in a bagel, however her higher ranked opponent took the second set. Williams then took control of the final set taking it in the ninth game. In the final 8, Williams took on world no. 1 Martina Hingis and took the first set, however, Hingis came back to push it to a decider. The decider went to a tie-breaker which Hingis took.
Williams chose to compete at the State Farm Evert Cup but only in doubles with sister Venus Williams they were able to get to the quarterfinals without dropping a set but fell to Martina Hingis and Mirjana Lučić in three sets. They also played at the Lipton Championships but fell in their first match to the team of Els Callens and Patricia Hy-Boulais.

### Campionati Internazionali d’Italia

Williams then played at the Campionati Internazionali d’Italia, in her first clay court tournament. Her first opponent was 11th seed Nathalie Tauziat, Williams came through in a tough first set, but won the second set with ease in a bagel scoreline to upset her seeded opponent. In her match, Williams advanced when her opponent South African Joannette Kruger retired with a back injury in the seventh game when Williams was leading by a double break. In the following round she faced 8th seed Conchita Martínez and won with ease in straight sets, losing two games in each. In the quarterfinals, she faced sister Venus Williams for the second time in the year and like their previous encounter Serena lost in straight sets.
In doubles, she played with sister Venus and they cruised through the first three rounds in straight sets defeating the teams of Naoko Kijimuta and Nana Smith, Virág Csurgó and Yuka Yoshida, and Katrina Adams and Manon Bollegraf. In the semifinals, they faced Virginia Ruano Pascual and Paola Suárez, the Williams sisters won the first set but lost the second and third.

### French Open

Williams then played in the second slam of the year at the clay courts of Roland Garros. In her debut match, she faced Canadian Jana Nejedly and won in three sets, Williams came through despite losing the second set easily, winning only a game. In her next match, she faced compatriot Corina Morariu and won with ease dropping only a game. In the third round, Williams took on Dominique Monami and won in a double breadstick. In the round of 16, Williams faced world no. 5 Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, Williams was up by a set and was serving for the match in the ninth game, but eventually lost in three.
Williams also played mixed doubles with Argentinian Luis Lobo. Williams and Lobo won their first two matches against the teams of Helena Vildová and Pavel Vízner, and Larisa Savchenko and Leander Paes. In the third round they faced the American pairing of Ginger Helgeson-Nielsen and Jim Grabb, they split the first two sets, however Williams and Lobo dominated the third without dropping a game. They then had little difficulty putting out the pairings of Kristie Boogert and Donald Johnson, and Rachel McQuillan and David Macpherson to advance to the title match. In the final they faced sister Venus Williams and Justin Gimelstob. Serena and Lobo led by a break by the fifth game in the first set just to lose the next five games. Venus and Gimelstob took the second set by the same scoreline.

### Direct Line Insurance Championships

Williams then played her first grass tournament at the Direct Line Insurance Championships, she faced two Japanese players in her first two matches taking on Naoko Sawamatsu and Ai Sugiyama, she won both matches in straight sets. In the quarterfinals, she again faced Arantxa Sánchez Vicario for the second time in three weeks and once again lost in three sets after winning the first set.

### Wimbledon Championships

Williams next event is the Wimbledon Championships, Williams's first round opponent is Laura Golarsa and won in two sets with a break lead in each. Williams then faced Mirjana Lučić in the next round and dominated losing only three games, including a bagel in the second set. In the third round, Williams faced Spaniard Virginia Ruano Pascual and was down by a set and just won a game after losing the first four in the first set, when she retired due to leg injury, however after the match, Williams said that she could have finished the match.
She and sister Venus were supposed to compete in doubles, but withdrew before their first round match against Naoko Kijimuta and Nana Smith.
Williams once again played in the Mixed Doubles, but this time partnering Belorussian Max Mirnyi. In their first match, they faced Cătălina Cristea and Geoff Grant winning by a breadstick and a tie-break. In their next matches, they were pushed to three sets, coming back from a set down against the teams of Lindsay Davenport and Brian MacPhie, and Nathalie Tauziat and Daniel Nestor. In the quarterfinals, they faced the Australian team of Kristine Kunce and Sandon Stolle and won in three dropping the second set. In the following match they defeated the Dutch team of Caroline Vis and Paul Haarhuis and for the third time came back from a set down. In the final they faced Mirjana Lučić and Mahesh Bhupathi and won in straight sets, losing four games in both sets. This win gave both Williams and Mirnyi their first slam title.

### Toshiba TennisClassic

Williams then came to the States and competed at the Toshiba TennisClassic. In the first round she faced Larisa Neiland and demolished the Latvian with a double bagel in just 38 minutes and losing only 19 points. In the second round she faced Sandrine Testud and won three dropping the second set. In the final 8, she took on world no. 1 Martina Hingis and fell quite convincingly, winning just five games to the top player.

### US Open

Williams then competed in the final slam of the year at the US Open. In her first match, Williams had to scrapped through Australian Nicole Pratt, when she dropped the second set, but finally came through in three. However, her next match was easier taking on Kiwi's Pavlina Nola, Williams just dropped three games to advance. In the third round, she faced Irina Spîrlea, Williams had won their two previous matches in the year, however Spîrlea took the first set just to see Williams come back in the second winning it in a bagel. In the final set, Williams was broken in the 11th game and Spîrlea took advantage and closed it out in the next game to eliminate Williams.
For the second slam in a row, Williams played mixed doubles with Max Mirnyi. In their first two matches, they came through easily defeating Miriam Oremans and Nicklas Kulti in straight sets and having a walkover over Americans Lindsay Davenport and Jan-Michael Gambill. In a repeat of the Wimbledon mixed doubles final, they faced Mirjana Lučić and Mahesh Bhupathi, Williams and Mirnyi dropped the first set, but took the final two sets at five. In the semifinals, they had to battle hard against Debbie Graham and Sandon Stolle, as both teams traded the first two sets both going to a tie-break. In the final set Williams and Mirnyi took it with ease to advance. In the final they faced the American team of Lisa Raymond and Patrick Galbraith. The American-Belorussian team came through in two easy sets over the American team to claim their second straight slam as a team.

### Porsche Tennis Grand Prix

In her final tournament in singles in the year, Williams played at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. In her opening match she took on Květa Hrdličková, and was pushed in three set, but came through winning the final set with a bagel. In the second round, she faced another Czech third seed Jana Novotná, the pair split the first two sets, however Novotná being down a break retired after twisting her back. Williams then fell to France's Sandrine Testud despite coming back to take the second set.
In the doubles, she paired with sister Venus Williams but fell in the first round to Lisa Raymond and Rennae Stubbs, losing in a tie-break and a breadstick.

### European Championships and MGTS Kremlin Cup

Williams chose to play only in the doubles of the European Championships pairing with sister Venus Williams, they faced top seeds Lindsay Davenport and Natasha Zvereva, they produced an upset in straight sets. They then came through coming back from a set down against Amanda Coetzer and Anna Kournikova. In the semifinals they defeated Manon Bollegraf and Debbie Graham in a tough first set but came through easily in the second. In the final, they came back from a set down against Mariaan De Swardt and Elena Tatarkova, to claim their second title as a team and their biggest title so far.
The pair also chose to compete at the MGTS Kremlin Cup and came through their tough first match against Elena Likhovtseva and Ai Sugiyama, winning it in a tie-break in the third set. However, they withdrew prior to their quarterfinal match against Anna Kournikova and Monica Seles.
Williams finished 1998 ranked No. 20 in singles, the fastest to that milestone in history. In 1998 alone, she recorded five wins against Top 10 players.

## All matches
### Singles matches

| Year | Tournament | Match | Round | Opponent | Rank | Result | Score |
| 1995 | Bell Challenge Quebec City, Canada Tier III Hard, outdoor 30 October–5 November 1995 | 1 | Q1 | Annie Miller | #148 | Loss | 1–6, 1–6 |
| 1997 | State Farm Evert Cup Indian Wells, United States Tier I Hard, outdoor 3 –16 March 1997 | 2 | Q1 | Alexia Dechaume-Balleret | #87 | Loss | 4–6, 0–6 |
| 1997 | Acura Classic Los Angeles, United States Tier II Hard, outdoor 4 –10 August 1997 | 3 | Q1 | Amanda Basica | #755 | Win | 6–1, 6–4 |
| 1997 | Acura Classic Los Angeles, United States Tier II Hard, outdoor 4 –10 August 1997 | 4 | Q2 | Tamarine Tanasugarn | #44 | Win | 3–6, 6–2, 6–3 |
| 1997 | Acura Classic Los Angeles, United States Tier II Hard, outdoor 4 –10 August 1997 | 5 | Q3 | Magui Serna | #54 | Loss | 6–7$^{(6–8)}$, 6–4, 3–6 |
| 1997 | European Indoor Championships Zurich, Switzerland Tier I Hard, outdoor 13 –19 October 1997 | 6 | Q1 | Gloria Pizzichini | #88 | Win | 6–2, 6–4 |
| 1997 | European Indoor Championships Zurich, Switzerland Tier I Hard, outdoor 13 –19 October 1997 | 7 | Q2 | Dominique Monami | #29 | Loss | 2–6, 4–6 |
| 1997 | Kremlin Cup Moscow, Russia Tier I Carpet, indoor 27 October - 2 November 1997 | 8 | Q1 | Anastasia Myskina | #619 | Win | 6–0, 6–4 |
| 1997 | Kremlin Cup Moscow, Russia Tier I Carpet, indoor 27 October - 2 November 1997 | 9 | Q2 | Åsa Svensson | #46 | Win | 6–2, 6–3 |
| 1997 | Kremlin Cup Moscow, Russia Tier I Carpet, indoor 27 October - 2 November 1997 | 10 | Q3 | Magui Serna | #42 | Win | 6–0, 7–6$^{(13-11)}$ |
| 1997 | Kremlin Cup Moscow, Russia Tier I Carpet, indoor 27 October - 2 November 1997 | 11 | 1R | Kimberly Po | #22 | Loss | 3–6, 6–7$^{(6–8)}$ |
| 1997 | Ameritech Cup Chicago, United States Tier II Carpet, indoor 3–9 November 1997 | 12 | 1R | Elena Likhovtseva | #27 | Win | 6–3, 7–5 |
| 1997 | Ameritech Cup Chicago, United States Tier II Carpet, indoor 3–9 November 1997 | 13 | 2R | Mary Pierce | #7 | Win | 6–3, 7–6$^{(7–3)}$ |
| 1997 | Ameritech Cup Chicago, United States Tier II Carpet, indoor 3–9 November 1997 | 14 | QF | Monica Seles | #4 | Win | 4–6, 6–1, 6–1 |
| 1997 | Ameritech Cup Chicago, United States Tier II Carpet, indoor 3–9 November 1997 | 15 | SF | Lindsay Davenport | #5 | Loss | 4–6, 4–6 |
| 1998 | Adidas International Sydney, Australia Tier II Hard, outdoor 12–18 January 1998 | 16 | Q1 | Gloria Pizzichini | #89 | Win | 6–3, 6–1 |
| 1998 | Adidas International Sydney, Australia Tier II Hard, outdoor 12–18 January 1998 | 17 | Q2 | Corina Morariu | #55 | Win | 7–5, 6–4 |
| 1998 | Adidas International Sydney, Australia Tier II Hard, outdoor 12–18 January 1998 | 18 | Q3 | Laura Golarsa | #64 | Win | 6–2, 6–0 |
| 1998 | Adidas International Sydney, Australia Tier II Hard, outdoor 12–18 January 1998 | 19 | 1R | Mirjana Lučić | #48 | Win | 3–6, 6–4, 7–5 |
| 1998 | Adidas International Sydney, Australia Tier II Hard, outdoor 12–18 January 1998 | 20 | 2R | Sandrine Testud | #13 | Win | 7–6$^{(7–5)}$, 3–0 RET |
| 1998 | Adidas International Sydney, Australia Tier II Hard, outdoor 12–18 January 1998 | 21 | QF | Lindsay Davenport | #3 | Win | 1–6, 7–5, 7–5 |
| 1998 | Adidas International Sydney, Australia Tier II Hard, outdoor 12–18 January 1998 | 22 | SF | Arantxa Sánchez Vicario | #9 | Loss | 2–6, 1–6 |
| 1998 | Australian Open Melbourne, Australia Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 19 January - 1 February 1998 | 23 | 1R | Irina Spîrlea | #9 | Win | 6–7$^{(7–9)}$, 6–3, 6–1 |
| 1998 | Australian Open Melbourne, Australia Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 19 January - 1 February 1998 | 24 | 2R | Venus Williams | #16 | Loss | 6–7$^{(4–7)}$, 1–6 |
| 1998 | IGA Tennis Classic Oklahoma City, USA Tier III Hard, outdoor 23 February - 1 March 1998 | 25 | 1R | Katrina Adams | #286 | Win | 6–1, 6–2 |
| 1998 | IGA Tennis Classic Oklahoma City, USA Tier III Hard, outdoor 23 February - 1 March 1998 | 26 | 2R | Annabel Ellwood | #110 | Win | 6–1, 6–3 |
| 1998 | IGA Tennis Classic Oklahoma City, USA Tier III Hard, outdoor 23 February - 1 March 1998 | 27 | QF | Joannette Kruger | #27 | Loss | 1–6, 1–6 |
| 1998 | Lipton Championships Miami, USA Tier I Hard, outdoor 16–29 March 1998 | 28 | 1R | Denisa Chládková | #59 | Win | 6–4, 6–0 |
| 1998 | Lipton Championships Miami, USA Tier I Hard, outdoor 16–29 March 1998 | 29 | 2R | Irina Spîrlea | #10 | Win | 7–6$^{(7–4)}$, 6–0 |
| 1998 | Lipton Championships Miami, USA Tier I Hard, outdoor 16–29 March 1998 | 30 | 3R | Barbara Paulus | #26 | Win | 6–3, 6–2 |
| 1998 | Lipton Championships Miami, USA Tier I Hard, outdoor 16–29 March 1998 | 31 | 4R | Patty Schnyder | #17 | Win | 6–0, 4–6, 6–3 |
| 1998 | Lipton Championships Miami, USA Tier I Hard, outdoor 16–29 March 1998 | 32 | QF | Martina Hingis | #1 | Loss | 3–6, 6–1, 6–7$^{(4–7)}$ |
| 1998 | Campionati Internazionali d’Italia Rome, Italy Tier I Clay, outdoor 4–10 May 1998 | 33 | 1R | Nathalie Tauziat | #12 | Win | 7–5, 6–0 |
| 1998 | Campionati Internazionali d’Italia Rome, Italy Tier I Clay, outdoor 4–10 May 1998 | 34 | 2R | Joannette Kruger | #21 | Win | 5–1 ret |
| 1998 | Campionati Internazionali d’Italia Rome, Italy Tier I Clay, outdoor 4–10 May 1998 | 35 | 3R | Conchita Martínez | #8 | Win | 6–2, 6–2 |
| 1998 | Campionati Internazionali d’Italia Rome, Italy Tier I Clay, outdoor 4–10 May 1998 | 36 | QF | Venus Williams | #9 | Loss | 4–6, 2–6 |
| 1998 | French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay, outdoor 25 May - 7 June 1998 | 37 | 1R | Jana Nejedly | #97 | Win | 6–2, 1–6, 6–4 |
| 1998 | French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay, outdoor 25 May - 7 June 1998 | 38 | 2R | Corina Morariu | #43 | Win | 6–1, 6–0 |
| 1998 | French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay, outdoor 25 May - 7 June 1998 | 39 | 3R | Dominique Monami | #14 | Win | 6–1, 6–1 |
| 1998 | French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay, outdoor 25 May - 7 June 1998 | 40 | 4R | Arantxa Sánchez Vicario | #5 | Loss | 6–4, 5–7, 3–6 |
| 1998 | Direct Line Insurance Championships Eastbourne, Great Britain Tier II Grass, outdoor 15–21 June 1998 | 41 | 1R | Naoko Sawamatsu | #34 | Win | 6–4, 7–5 |
| 1998 | Direct Line Insurance Championships Eastbourne, Great Britain Tier II Grass, outdoor 15–21 June 1998 | 42 | 2R | Ai Sugiyama | #17 | Win | 6–2, 7–5 |
| 1998 | Direct Line Insurance Championships Eastbourne, Great Britain Tier II Grass, outdoor 15–21 June 1998 | 43 | QF | Arantxa Sánchez Vicario | #4 | Loss | 6–4, 4–6, 4–6 |
| 1998 | Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass, outdoor 23 June - 5 July 1998 | 44 | 1R | Laura Golarsa | #77 | Win | 6–4, 6–3 |
| 1998 | Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass, outdoor 23 June - 5 July 1998 | 45 | 2R | Mirjana Lučić | #46 | Win | 6–3, 6–0 |
| 1998 | Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass, outdoor 23 June - 5 July 1998 | 46 | 3R | Virginia Ruano Pascual | #47 | Loss | 5–7, 1–4 ret |
| 1998 | Toshiba TennisClassic Los Angeles, USA Tier II Hard, outdoor 10–16 August 1998 | 47 | 1R | Larisa Neiland | #90 | Win | 6–0, 6–0 |
| 1998 | Toshiba TennisClassic Los Angeles, USA Tier II Hard, outdoor 10–16 August 1998 | 48 | 2R | Sandrine Testud | #14 | Win | 6–4, 3–6, 6–1 |
| 1998 | Toshiba TennisClassic Los Angeles, USA Tier II Hard, outdoor 10–16 August 1998 | 49 | QF | Martina Hingis | #1 | Loss | 4–6, 1–6 |
| 1998 | US Open New York City, USA Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 31 August - 13 September 1998 | 50 | 1R | Nicole Pratt | #94 | Win | 6–3, 3–6, 6–4 |
| 1998 | US Open New York City, USA Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 31 August - 13 September 1998 | 51 | 2R | Pavlina Nola | #124 | Win | 6–2, 6–1 |
| 1998 | US Open New York City, USA Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 31 August - 13 September 1998 | 52 | 3R | Irina Spîrlea | #8 | Loss | 3–6, 6–0, 5–7 |
| 1998 | Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Filderstadt, Germany Tier II Hard, outdoor 5–11 October 1998 | 53 | 1R | Květa Hrdličková | #64 | Win | 7–6$^{(7–5)}$, 3–6, 6–0 |
| 1998 | Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Filderstadt, Germany Tier II Hard, outdoor 5–11 October 1998 | 54 | 2R | Jana Novotná | #3 | Win | 2–6, 6–3, 2–0 ret |
| 1998 | Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Filderstadt, Germany Tier II Hard, outdoor 5–11 October 1998 | 55 | QF | Sandrine Testud | #18 | Loss | 4–6, 6–1, 1–6 |

### Doubles matches

| Year | Tournament | Match | Round | Partner | Opponents | Rank | Result | Score |
| 1997 | State Farm Evert Cup Indian Wells, United States Tier I Hard, outdoor 3 –16 March 1997 | 1 | 1R | Venus Williams | Conchita Martínez Patricia Tarabini | #25 #26 | Win | 4–6, 7–6$^{(7–5)}$, 7–5 |
| 1997 | State Farm Evert Cup Indian Wells, United States Tier I Hard, outdoor 3 –16 March 1997 | 2 | 2R | Venus Williams | Åsa Svensson Anne-Gaëlle Sidot | #89 #83 | Win | 0–6, 6–3, 6–3 |
| 1997 | State Farm Evert Cup Indian Wells, United States Tier I Hard, outdoor 3 –16 March 1997 | 3 | QF | Venus Williams | Lindsay Davenport Natasha Zvereva | #7 #4 | Loss | 3–6, 0–6 |
| 1997 | US Open New York City, USA Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 31 August - 13 September 1998 | 4 | 1R | Venus Williams | Jill Hetherington Kathy Rinaldi Stunkel | #104 #102 | Loss | 4–6, 5–7 |
| 1997 | Ameritech Cup Chicago, United States Tier II Carpet, indoor 3–9 November 1997 | 5 | 1R | Venus Williams | Ruxandra Dragomir Ilie Iva Majoli | #22 #37 | Win | 6–0, 6–0 |
| 1997 | Ameritech Cup Chicago, United States Tier II Carpet, indoor 3–9 November 1997 | 6 | QF | Venus Williams | Manon Bollegraf Mary Joe Fernandez | #8 #9 | Win | 7–6$^{(7–2)}$, 6–2 |
| 1997 | Ameritech Cup Chicago, United States Tier II Carpet, indoor 3–9 November 1997 | - | SF | Venus Williams | Lindsay Davenport Monica Seles | #1 #84 | Withdrew | N/A |
| 1998 | Australian Open Melbourne, Australia Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 19 January - 1 February 1998 | 7 | 1R | Venus Williams | Erika deLone Liezel Horn | #99 #103 | Win | 6–4, 6–2 |
| 1998 | Australian Open Melbourne, Australia Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 19 January - 1 February 1998 | 8 | 2R | Venus Williams | Rika Hiraki Mercedes Paz | #28 #49 | Win | 2–6, 6–2, 6–2 |
| 1998 | Australian Open Melbourne, Australia Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 19 January - 1 February 1998 | 9 | 3R | Venus Williams | Naoko Kijimuta Nana Smith | #23 #19 | Loss | 3–6, 3–6 |
| 1998 | IGA Tennis Classic Oklahoma City, USA Tier III Hard, outdoor 23 February - 1 March 1998 | 10 | 1R | Venus Williams | Surina De Beer Lindsay Lee-Waters | #208 #86 | Win | 6–4, 7–5 |
| 1998 | IGA Tennis Classic Oklahoma City, USA Tier III Hard, outdoor 23 February - 1 March 1998 | 11 | QF | Venus Williams | Katrina Adams Debbie Graham | #22 #37 | Win | 6–4, 4–3 ret |
| 1998 | IGA Tennis Classic Oklahoma City, USA Tier III Hard, outdoor 23 February - 1 March 1998 | 12 | SF | Venus Williams | Laura Golarsa Liezel Horn | #84 #102 | Win | 6–2, 6–2 |
| 1998 | IGA Tennis Classic Oklahoma City, USA Tier III Hard, outdoor 23 February - 1 March 1998 | 13 | F | Venus Williams | Cătălina Cristea Kristine Kunce | #93 #50 | Win | 7–5, 6–2 |
| 1998 | State Farm Evert Cup Indian Wells, USA Tier I Hard, outdoor 2–15 March 1998 | 14 | 1R | Venus Williams | Cătălina Cristea Annabel Ellwood | #84 #66 | Win | 6–4, 6–3 |
| 1998 | State Farm Evert Cup Indian Wells, USA Tier I Hard, outdoor 2–15 March 1998 | 15 | 2R | Venus Williams | Conchita Martínez Patricia Tarabini | #19 #17 | Win | 6–4, 6–1 |
| 1998 | State Farm Evert Cup Indian Wells, USA Tier I Hard, outdoor 2–15 March 1998 | 16 | QF | Venus Williams | Martina Hingis Mirjana Lučić | #3 #31 | Loss | 5–7, 6–4, 1–6 |
| 1998 | Lipton Championships Miami, USA Tier I Hard, outdoor 16–29 March 1998 | 17 | 1R | Venus Williams | Els Callens Patricia Hy-Boulais | #54 #116 | Loss | 4–6, 4–6 |
| 1998 | Campionati Internazionali d’Italia Rome, Italy Tier I Clay, outdoor 4–10 May 1998 | 18 | 1R | Venus Williams | Naoko Kijimuta Nana Smith | #24 #22 | Win | 6–4, 6–4 |
| 1998 | Campionati Internazionali d’Italia Rome, Italy Tier I Clay, outdoor 4–10 May 1998 | 19 | 2R | Venus Williams | Virág Csurgó Yuka Yoshida | #122 #68 | Win | 7–6$^{(9–7)}$, 6–4 |
| 1998 | Campionati Internazionali d’Italia Rome, Italy Tier I Clay, outdoor 4–10 May 1998 | 20 | QF | Venus Williams | Katrina Adams Manon Bollegraf | #23 #5 | Win | 6–2, 6–1 |
| 1998 | Campionati Internazionali d’Italia Rome, Italy Tier I Clay, outdoor 4–10 May 1998 | 21 | SF | Venus Williams | Virginia Ruano Pascual Paola Suárez | #73 #49 | Loss | 6–2, 4–6, 5–7 |
| 1998 | Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass, outdoor 23 June - 5 July 1998 | - | 1R | Venus Williams | Naoko Kijimuta Nana Smith | #24 #23 | Withdrew | N/A |
| 1998 | Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Filderstadt, Germany Tier II Hard, outdoor 5–11 October 1998 | 22 | 1R | Venus Williams | Lisa Raymond Rennae Stubbs | #13 #14 | Loss | 6–7$^{(5–7)}$, 1–6 |
| 1998 | European Championships Zurich, Switzerland Tier I Hard, indoor 12–18 October 1998 | 23 | 1R | Venus Williams | Lindsay Davenport Natasha Zvereva | #3 #4 | Win | 7–6$^{(8–6)}$, 6–2 |
| 1998 | European Championships Zurich, Switzerland Tier I Hard, indoor 12–18 October 1998 | 24 | QF | Venus Williams | Amanda Coetzer Anna Kournikova | #32 #13 | Win | 1–6, 6–1, 6–2 |
| 1998 | European Championships Zurich, Switzerland Tier I Hard, indoor 12–18 October 1998 | 25 | SF | Venus Williams | Manon Bollegraf Debbie Graham | #19 #26 | Win | 7–6$^{(10–8)}$, 6–2 |
| 1998 | European Championships Zurich, Switzerland Tier I Hard, indoor 12–18 October 1998 | 26 | F | Venus Williams | Mariaan De Swardt Elena Tatarkova | #16 #31 | Win | 5–7, 6–1, 6–3 |
| 1998 | MGTS Kremlin Cup Moscow, Russia Tier I Carpet, indoor 19–25 October 1998 | 27 | 1R | Venus Williams | Elena Likhovtseva Ai Sugiyama | #17 #22 | Win | 3–6, 7–5, 7–6$^{(7–4)}$ |
| 1998 | MGTS Kremlin Cup Moscow, Russia Tier I Carpet, indoor 19–25 October 1998 | - | QF | Venus Williams | Anna Kournikova Monica Seles | #13 #60 | Withdrew | N/A |

### Mixed Doubles matches

| Year | Tournament | Match | Round | Partner | Opponents | Rank | Result | Score |
| 1998 | Australian Open Melbourne, Australia Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 19 January - 1 February 1998 | 1 | 1R | Lleyton Hewitt | Natasha Zvereva Andrew Florent | #2 #51 | Loss | 6–7$^{(3–7)}$, 2–6 |
| 1998 | French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay, outdoor 25 May - 7 June 1998 | 2 | 1R | Luis Lobo | Helena Vildová Pavel Vízner | #131 #40 | Win | 6–3, 6–2 |
| 1998 | French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay, outdoor 25 May - 7 June 1998 | 3 | 2R | Luis Lobo | Larisa Savchenko Leander Paes | #4 #6 | Win | 7–6$^{(7–4)}$, 6–3 |
| 1998 | French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay, outdoor 25 May - 7 June 1998 | 4 | 3R | Luis Lobo | Ginger Helgeson-Nielsen Jim Grabb | #? #12 | Win | 6–4, 3–6, 6–0 |
| 1998 | French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay, outdoor 25 May - 7 June 1998 | 5 | QF | Luis Lobo | Kristie Boogert Donald Johnson | #76 #15 | Win | 6–3, 7–5 |
| 1998 | French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay, outdoor 25 May - 7 June 1998 | 6 | SF | Luis Lobo | Rachel McQuillan David Macpherson | #74 #19 | Win | 6–1, 6–0 |
| 1998 | French Open Paris, France Grand Slam Clay, outdoor 25 May - 7 June 1998 | 7 | F | Luis Lobo | Venus Williams Justin Gimelstob | #8 #91 | Loss | 4–6, 4–6 |
| 1998 | Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass, outdoor 23 June - 5 July 1998 | 8 | 1R | Max Mirnyi | Cătălina Cristea Geoff Grant | #55 #99 | Win | 6–1, 7–6$^{(11-9)}$ |
| 1998 | Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass, outdoor 23 June - 5 July 1998 | 9 | 2R | Max Mirnyi | Lindsay Davenport Brian MacPhie | #1 #83 | Win | 4–6, 7–6$^{(7–4)}$, 6–2 |
| 1998 | Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass, outdoor 23 June - 5 July 1998 | 10 | 3R | Max Mirnyi | Nathalie Tauziat Daniel Nestor | #17 #18 | Win | 5–7, 6–3, 6–4 |
| 1998 | Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass, outdoor 23 June - 5 July 1998 | 11 | QF | Max Mirnyi | Kristine Kunce Sandon Stolle | #49 #67 | Win | 7–5, 5–7, 6–4 |
| 1998 | Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass, outdoor 23 June - 5 July 1998 | 12 | SF | Max Mirnyi | Caroline Vis Paul Haarhuis | #21 #2 | Win | 4–6, 6–4, 7–5 |
| 1998 | Wimbledon Championships London, Great Britain Grand Slam Grass, outdoor 23 June - 5 July 1998 | 13 | F | Max Mirnyi | Mirjana Lučić Mahesh Bhupathi | #192 #5 | Win | 6–4, 6–4 |
| 1998 | US Open New York City, United States Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 31 August - 13 September 1998 | 14 | 1R | Max Mirnyi | Miriam Oremans Nicklas Kulti | #46 #29 | Win | 6–1, 6–3 |
| 1998 | US Open New York City, United States Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 31 August - 13 September 1998 | - | 2R | Max Mirnyi | Lindsay Davenport Jan-Michael Gambill | #5 #1,076 | Walkover | N/A |
| 1998 | US Open New York City, United States Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 31 August - 13 September 1998 | 15 | QF | Max Mirnyi | Mirjana Lučić Mahesh Bhupathi | #146 #7 | Win | 3–6, 7–5, 7–5 |
| 1998 | US Open New York City, United States Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 31 August - 13 September 1998 | 16 | SF | Max Mirnyi | Debbie Graham Sandon Stolle | #64 #47 | Win | 6–7$^{(5–7)}$, 7–6$^{(7–3)}$, 6–2 |
| 1998 | US Open New York City, United States Grand Slam Hard, outdoor 31 August - 13 September 1998 | 17 | F | Max Mirnyi | Lisa Raymond Patrick Galbraith | #1 #14 | Win | 6–2, 6–2 |

## Tournament schedule
### Singles schedule

Williams's 1995-1998 singles tournament schedule is as follows:
| Date | Championship | Location | Category | Surface | Points | Outcome |
| 30 October 1995– 5 November 1995 | Bell Challenge | Quebec City (CAN) | WTA Tier III | Hard | 1 | First round Qualifying lost to Annie Miller, 1–6, 1–6 |
| 1995 Total year-end points | 1995 Total year-end points | 1995 Total year-end points | 1995 Total year-end points | 1995 Total year-end points | 1 | |
| 3 March 1997– 16 March 1997 | State Farm Evert Cup | Indian Wells (USA) | WTA Tier I | Hard | 1 | First round Qualifying lost to Alexia Dechaume-Balleret, 4–6, 0–6 |
| 4 August 1997– 10 August 1997 | Acura Classic | Los Angeles (USA) | WTA Tier II | Hard | 5 | Third round Qualifying lost to Magui Serna, 6-7$^{(6-8)}$, 6-4, 3-6 |
| 13 October 1997– 19 October 1997 | European Indoor Championships | Zurich (SUI) | WTA Tier I | Hard | 3 | Second round Qualifying lost to Dominique Monami, 2–6, 4–6 |
| 27 October 1997– 2 November 1997 | Kremlin Cup | Moscow (RUS) | WTA Tier I | Carpet (i) | 11 | First round lost to Kimberly Po, 3-6, 6-7$^{(6-8)}$ |
| 3 November 1997– 9 November 1997 | Ameritech Cup | Chicago (USA) | WTA Tier II | Hard | 90 | Semifinals lost to Lindsay Davenport, 4-6, 4-6 |
| 1997 Total year-end points | 1997 Total year-end points | 1997 Total year-end points | 1997 Total year-end points | 1997 Total year-end points | 110 | |
| 12 January 1998– 18 January 1998 | Adidas International | Sydney (AUS) | WTA Tier II | Hard | 99 | Semifinals lost to Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, 2-6, 1-6 |
| 19 January 1998– 1 February 1998 | Australian Openl | Melbourne (AUS) | Grand Slam | Hard | 26 | Second Round lost to Venus Williams, 6-7$^{(4-7)}$, 1-6 |
| 23 February 1998– 1 March 1999 | IGA Tennis Classic | Oklahoma City (USA) | WTA Tier III | Hard | 35 | Quarterfinals lost to Joannette Kruger, 1–6, 1–6 |
| 16 March 1998– 29 March 1998 | Lipton Championships | Miami (USA) | WTA Tier I | Hard | 65 | Quarterfinals lost to Martina Hingis, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7$^{(4-7)}$ |
| 4 May 1998– 10 May 1998 | Campionati Internazionali d’Italia | Rome (ITA) | WTA Tier I | Clay | 65 | Quarterfinals lost to Venus Williams, 4-6, 2-6 |
| 25 May– 7 June 1998 | French Open | Paris (FRA) | Grand Slam | Clay | 72 | Fourth Round lost to Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 |
| 15 June– 21 June 1998 | Direct Line Insurance Championships | Eastbourne (GBR) | WTA Tier II | Grass | 50 | Quarterfinals lost to Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, 6-4, 4-6, 4-6 |
| 23 June– 5 July 1998 | Wimbledon Championships | London (GBR) | Grand Slam | Grass | 44 | Third Round lost to Virginia Ruano Pascual, 5-7, 1-4 ret |
| 10 August– 16 August 1998 | Toshiba TennisClassic | Los Angeles (USA) | WTA Tier II | Hard | 50 | Quarterfinals lost to Martina Hingis, 4-6, 1-6 |
| 31 August 1998- 13 September 1998 | US Open | New York City (USA) | Grand Slam | Grass | 44 | Third Round lost to Irina Spîrlea, 3-6, 6-0, 5-7 |
| 5 October– 11 October 1998 | Porsche Tennis Grand Prix | Filderstadt (GER) | WTA Tier II | Hard | 50 | Quarterfinals lost to Sandrine Testud, 4-6, 6-1, 1-6 |
| 1998 Total year-end points | 1998 Total year-end points | 1998 Total year-end points | 1998 Total year-end points | 1998 Total year-end points | 600 | |

### Doubles schedule

Williams's 1997-1998 doubles tournament schedule is as follows:
| Date | Championship | Location | Category | Partner | Surface | Points | Outcome |
| 3 March 1997– 16 March 1997 | State Farm Evert Cup | Indian Wells (USA) | WTA Tier I | Venus Williams | Hard | 65 | Quarterfinals lost to Davenport/Zvereva, 3–6, 0–6 |
| 31 August 1997– 13 September 1997 | US Open | New York (USA) | Grand Slam | Venus Williams | Hard | 2 | First Round lost to Hetherington/Rinaldi Stunkel, 4–6, 5–7 |
| 3 November 1997– 9 November 1997 | Ameritech Cup | Chicago (USA) | WTA Tier II | Venus Williams | Carpet (i) | 90 | Semifinals Withdrew before match against Davenport/Seles |
| 1997 Total year-end points | 1997 Total year-end points | 1997 Total year-end points | 1997 Total year-end points | 1997 Total year-end points | 1997 Total year-end points | 157 | |
| 19 January 1998- 1 February 1998 | Australian Open | Melbourne (AUS) | Grand Slam | Venus Williams | Hard | 72 | Third Round lost to Kijimuta/Smith, 3-6, 3-6 |
| 23 February 1998- 1 March 1998 | IGA Tennis Classic | Oklahoma City (USA) | WTA Tier III | Venus Williams | Hard (i) | 90 | Winner defeated Cristea/Kunce 7–5, 6–2 |
| 3 March 1998- 15 March 1998 | State Farm Evert Cup | Indian Wells (USA) | WTA Tier I | Venus Williams | Hard | 65 | Quarterfinals lost to Hingis/Lučić 5-7, 6-4, 1-6 |
| 16 March 1998- 29 March 1998 | Lipton Championships | Miami (USA) | WTA Tier I | Venus Williams | Hard | 1 | First Round lost to Callens/Hy-Boulais 4-6, 4-6 |
| 4 May 1998- 10 May 1998 | Campionati Internazionali d’Italia | Rome (ITA) | WTA Tier I | Venus Williams | Clay | 117 | Semifinals lost to Ruano Pascual/Suárez 6-2, 4-6, 5-7 |
| 23 June 1998- 5 July 1998 | Wimbledon Championships | London (GBR) | Grand Slam | Venus Williams | Grass | 0 | First round Withdrew before match against Kijimuta/Smith |
| 5 October 1998- 11 October 1998 | Porsche Tennis Grand Prix | Filderstadt (GER) | WTA Tier II | Venus Williams | Hard | 1 | First Round lost to Raymond/Stubbs 6-7$^{(5-7)}$, 1-6 |
| 12 October 1998- 18 October 1998 | European Championships | Zurich (SUI) | WTA Tier I | Venus Williams | Hard | 265 | Winner defeated De Swardt/Tatarkova 5–7, 6–1, 6–3 |
| 19 October 1998- 25 October 1998 | MGTS Kremlin Cup | Moscow (RUS) | WTA Tier I | Venus Williams | Carpet (i) | 65 | Quarterfinals Withdrew before match against Kournikova/Seles |
| 1998 Total year-end points | 1998 Total year-end points | 1998 Total year-end points | 1998 Total year-end points | 1998 Total year-end points | 1998 Total year-end points | 721 | |

### Mixed Doubles schedule

Williams's 1998 doubles tournament schedule is as follows:
| Date | Championship | Location | Category | Partner | Surface | Outcome |
| 19 January 1998- 1 February 1998 | Australian Open | Melbourne (AUS) | Grand Slam | Lleyton Hewitt | Hard | First Round lost to Zvereva/Florent, 6-7$^{(3-7)}$, 2-6 |
| 25 May 1998- 7 June 1998 | French Open | Paris (FRA) | Grand Slam | Luis Lobo | Clay | Final lost to V Williams/Gimelstob, 4-6, 4-6 |
| 23 June 1998- 5 July 1998 | Wimbledon Championships | London (GBR) | Grand Slam | Max Mirnyi | Grass | Winner defeated Lučić/Bhupathi 6-4, 6-4 |
| 31 August 1998- 13 September 1998 | US Open | New York (USA) | Grand Slam | Max Mirnyi | Hard | Winner defeated Raymond/Galbraith 6-2, 6-2 |

## Yearly records
### Head-to-head matchups
#### 1995

* Annie Miller 0-1

#### 1997

* Amanda Basica 1-0
* Tamarine Tanasugarn 1-0
* Gloria Pizzichini 1-0
* Anastasia Myskina 1-0
* Åsa Svensson 1-0
* Elena Likhovtseva 1-0
* Mary Pierce 1-0
* Monica Seles 1-0
* Magui Serna 1-1
* Kimberly Po 0-1
* Dominique Monami 0-1
* Lindsay Davenport 0-1
* Alexia Dechaume-Balleret 0-1

#### 1998

* Corina Morariu 2-0
* Laura Golarsa 2-0
* Mirjana Lučić 2-0
* Corina Morariu 2-0
* Gloria Pizzichini 1-0
* Lindsay Davenport 1-0
* Katrina Adams 1-0
* Annabel Ellwood 1-0
* Denisa Chládková 1-0
* Barbara Paulus 1-0
* Patty Schnyder 1-0
* Nathalie Tauziat 1-0
* Conchita Martínez 1-0
* Jana Nejedly 1-0
* Dominique Monami 1-0
* Naoko Sawamatsu 1-0
* Ai Sugiyama 1-0
* Larisa Neiland 1-0
* Nicole Pratt 1-0
* Pavlina Nola 1-0
* Květa Hrdličková 1-0
* Jana Novotná 1-0
* Irina Spîrlea 2-1
* Sandrine Testud 2-1
* Sandrine Testud 1-1
* Joannette Kruger 1-1
* Virginia Ruano Pascual 0-1
* Venus Williams 0-2
* Martina Hingis 0-2
* Arantxa Sánchez Vicario 0-3

### Finals
#### Doubles: 2 (2–0)

* Legend
* Tier I (1–0)
* Tier III (1–0)
* Finals by Surface
* Hard (2–0)
* Finals by Surface
* Outdoors (1–0)
* Indoors (1–0)
| Outcome | No. | Date | Championship | Surface | Partner | Opponent | Score |
| Winner | 1. | February 23, 1998 | Oklahoma City, US (1) | Hard | Venus Williams | Cătălina Cristea Kristine Kunce | 7–5, 6–2 |
| Winner | 2. | October 12, 1998 | Zürich, Switzerland (1) | Carpet (i) | Venus Williams | Mariaan de Swardt Elena Tatarkova | 5–7, 6–1, 6–3 |

#### Mixed doubles: (2–1)

* Legend
* Grand Slam (2–1)
* Finals by Surface
* Hard (1–0)
* Grass (1–0)
* Clay (0-1)
* Finals by Surface
* Outdoors (2–1)
| Outcome | No. | Date | Championship | Surface | Partner | Opponent | Score |
| Runner-up | 1. | May 25, 1998 | French Open | Clay | Luis Lobo | Venus Williams Justin Gimelstob | 4–6, 4–6 |
| Winner | 1. | June 23, 1998 | Wimbledon | Grass | Max Mirnyi | Mirjana Lučić Mahesh Bhupathi | 6–4, 6–4 |
| Winner | 2. | August 31, 1998 | US Open | Hard | Max Mirnyi | Lisa Raymond Patrick Galbraith | 6–2, 6–2 |