Venus Ebony Starr Williams ( born June 17 , 1980 in Lynwood , California , United States ) is a former World No. 1 ranked female tennis player and Olympic gold medalist who has won 13 Grand Slam titles , including 5 singles , 6 women 's doubles , and 2 mixed doubles titles . Williams is the older sister of fellow former World No. 1 tennis player Serena Williams . Venus Ebony Starr Williams ( born June 17 , 1980 ) is an American professional tennis player who is currently ranked World No. 8 in singles and World No. 20 in doubles .