Serena Williams signs programming deal with Amazon Studios

Serena Williams has signed a deal with Amazon Studios under which she will create scripted and non-scripted programming, including a docuseries that follows her exploits on and off the court, the tennis star said.

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Williams made the announcement during a conversation with actor Michael B. Jordan that was part of a charitable event organized by Vanity Fair magazine.

The 39-year-old Williams, who ranks second all-time with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, said she hopes to “bring really special stories to film, and to people’s homes”.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the first project from the deal is an untitled docuseries which will chronicle Williams’ personal and professional life.

“I’m very excited to be partnering with Amazon Studios – they are developing some of the most inspiring and important content for a global audience,” Williams said.

Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, hailed Williams as the one of the “most inspiring athletes, entrepreneurs and women of her generation”.

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“We’re incredibly excited to share her journey in this new series, and to work with her to create new original content for our Prime Video customers worldwide,” she added.

Amazon Studios will produce the docuseries along with Plum Pictures and Goalhanger Films.

Williams will serve as executive producer alongside Patrick Mouratoglou, Stuart Cabb, and Tony Pastor.

Williams, who has limited her schedule in recent years because of injuries and the birth of her daughter, has not played since she lost in the Australian Open semifinals in February to Naomi Osaka, who went on to win the title.