Illustrations by Elizabeth Person
Words by Nick Shekeryk

“Number one” has a variety of definitions in the world of professional women’s tennis. It could mean being on top of the rankings like emerging superstar Sofia Kenin, who’s currently the best women’s tennis player in the US and seventh-best in the world. Or maybe it’s being anointed as the future of the game like 15-year-old phenom Coco Gauff. Or perhaps it’s being arguably the best to ever set foot on a tennis court like living legend Serena Williams. However “number one” is defined, all three narratives converged in Everett for the Fed Cup qualifier matchup between USA and Latvia earlier this month.

Dubbed the “World Cup of Tennis,” the 57th annual Fed Cup displayed its electrifying brand of play before a sold-out crowd at Angel of the Winds Arena. The two-day affair celebrating one of the world’s most stately sports marked the first time the tournament has made an appearance in the region—and the boisterous crowd comprised of tennis fans from around the world made sure its participants felt the love.

“So loud,” said Williams. “I’m not used to it being that loud so it was different. But (it) was so good to see for the Fed Cup and have the women bring out such amazing crowds.”

It was quite obvious that Williams was the tournament’s main attraction, as the future Hall-of-Famer dazzled fans with everything from her powerful serves that exceeded speeds of 120 miles per hour, to her signature grunts that echoed throughout the arena like a dominant lioness claiming victory over her prey. Williams’ play—in addition to that of the speedy Kenin and the spirited Bethanie Mattek-Sands—helped Team USA edge out Latvia for the 3-2 win that came down to the final match. Just missing the draw for the chance to compete in the qualifier was Gauff, who will surely cause a racket with her racquet in April at the Fed Cup Finals in Budapest.

The experience of watching these “number ones” perform at the sport’s highest level was quite surreal. Of all the unexpected wonders the city of Everett has afforded me, I never imagined one of them would be turning me into a fan of professional tennis.

The Serena Williams Experience

23 Grand Slam singles titles. Four Olympic gold medals. 319 weeks as the world’s No. 1 player. Over the last quarter of a century, Serena Williams has amassed quite an impressive resume that has cemented her status as one of the fiercest competitors the sport of tennis has ever seen. Beyond the numbers, the grunts, and the big hair, Williams has transcended the role of the typical athlete to embody the part of a modern leader and role model who’s helped pave the way for the advancement of women in sports. 

As an activist, she’s advocated for the disenfranchised and has unapologetically stood up to those who’ve questioned her stark individualism in the context of a sport that’s steeped in strict tradition.

As an entrepreneur, Williams has been endorsed countless times by the likes of Nike, Aston Martin, and Beats by Dre. She’s also a part-owner of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins along with her older sister and fellow tennis legend, Venus.

Ever the trendsetter, Williams’ fashion has transformed the culture of the game on and off the court with colors as bright and bold as her personality.

As a woman of the world, Williams speaks four languages, including French, Italian, and Spanish.

Last but not least, she’s a woman with extraordinary character. Williams showed up in Everett with a perfect 13-0 record in Fed Cup play and left with a tarnished record of 14-1. Instead of dwelling on her loss, she cheered and laughed with her teammates and genuinely took pride in Team USA’s victory. Williams is a class act and a once-in-a-generation athlete who has got much to offer the world of tennis—and beyond.

Elizabeth is an award winning Everett, Washington-based artist and graphic designer. Using pen and watercolor, she sketches from life and creates 'illustrative infographics,' often featuring Northwest themes.

Nick has a professional background rich in digital marketing and media. His work has appeared in The Seattle Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The New York Post, and on MSN.com, among others. He has a graduate degree in journalism from Syracuse University, as well as creative writing and philosophy degrees from Seattle University. He grew up in Woodinville and spends his free time playing and coaching baseball, running half marathons, and seeing as much live music as possible.