Venus Williams collaborated with Mattel to create her own Barbie doll choosing to immortalize her 2007 Wimbledon victory, a milestone win that marked the first year Wimbledon awarded equal prize money to male and female champions, a cause Williams had long championed. Her Barbie, dressed in the same outfit and accessories as in that match, symbolizes her advocacy for gender equality in sports. Williams reflects on her journey from giving dolls makeovers as a child to seeing her own Barbie, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and advocacy. Her efforts led to equal prize money announcements from both Wimbledon and the French Open in 2007. As she prepares for the 2025 U.S. Open, Williams remains committed to playing on her own terms and embracing each moment of the game she loves.

The Venus doll follows another celebration of tennis with the Billie Jean King Barbie.

Williams joins a list of women honored in the Barbie Inspiring Women series, including singers Celia Cruz and Ella Fitzgerald, astronauts Sally Ride and Ellen Ochoa, and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. In fashion, the collection is represented by Anna Sui. Dolls in other categories include Wilma Mankiller, Bessie Coleman, Madam C.J Walker,  Dr. Jane Goodall,  Ida B Wells, Maya Angelou, Isabel Allende, Maria Tallchief, Anna May…