Wilson Sporting Goods Celebrates Serena Williams' 23rd Grand Slam Victory with Exclusive Commemorative Edition Racket

CHICAGO, Jan. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/-- After becoming the most decorated tennis player in the Open Era by winning her record 23^rd Grand Slam event, Wilson Sporting Goods Co., announced today it has created an exclusive, limited-edition commemorative racket to celebrate WTA #1 ranked and long-time Advisory Staff Member Serena Williams. Wilson will sell only 23 of its 2017 Serena Williams Grand Slam Commemorative Edition Racket; 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the rackets will go to The Serena Williams Fund.

Serena Williams ascended to the top spot on the list of Grand Slam Women's Single Championships in the Open Era by defeating Venus Williams, 6-4, 6-4, during the 2017 Australian Open Women's Singles Final.  

"What Serena accomplished in this tournament is remarkable and incredibly exciting," said Hans-Martin Reh, General Manager of Wilson Racquet Sports. "We are honored to be her partner – her faithful weapon – throughout this remarkable journey that is significant to not only our sport, but to the millions of avid tennis players who watch her play."

"Wilson has supported me for many years as I've pursued my goals as a professional athlete, said Serena Williams. "This commemorative racket is beautiful and represents me well, yet I am most appreciative of the work my Fund will be able to do as result of the Company's support of my career."

The 2017 Serena Williams 23 Grand Slam Commemorative Edition Racket is a specially designed Blade 104 Serena Williams Autograph model (the Wilson racket model Serena Williams plays with on Tour). The racket carries forth the brand's new design DNA for its performance rackets. Featuring a stealth black frame with iridescent gold accents at the three and nine o'clock positions on the frame, the design uses gold to highlight the major trophies of Serena Williams' Grand Slam victories, the number "23," and her signature. In addition, the Wilson logo on the outside of the racket's throat is made up of tiny number "23"s. The racket also includes a real 24k karat gold trapdoor on the butt cap.

Each of the 23 exclusive rackets were autographed by Serena Williams immediately following her 23^rd Grand Slam win in Melbourne. Every racket is individually numbered and strung to the exact specifications Serena William's uses on Tour. Each racket will be packaged in a special commemorative box, along with a certificate of authenticity and tribute poster.

The racket retails for $723.00 (US), which symbolizes Serena William's seven Australian Open Women's Singles titles and 23^rd Grand Slam. Wilson will donate 100% of every dollar from the sale of the rackets to the Serena Williams Fund. The racket is now available for purchase on www.wilson.com/serena23. 

ABOUT THE SERENA WILLIAMS FUND

The Serena Williams Fund focuses on creating equal access to education and assisting victims of senseless community violence. To that end, The Serena Williams Fund partners with organizations and leaders doing great work to positively impact communities and the lives of other human beings both nationally and globally.

ABOUT WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO.

Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a subsidiary of Amer Sports, is one of the world's leading manufacturer of high performance sports equipment, apparel and accessories. Wilson is the global leader in performance tennis and uses player insights to develop products that push tennis equipment innovation into new territories. Through its dedication to creating products that enable athletes at every level to perform at their best, Wilson has earned its place as a leader in sporting goods for over a century.

Note: Pros often customize the racket they use. Racket specifications on endorsed consumer models may vary from the models used by pros for match-play.

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SOURCE Wilson Sporting Goods Co.