Serena pens 'inspiring' memoir

Williams, 26, has won nine Grand Slam titles, including four in a row in 2002-2003, which made her the world's No. 1 player. She is renowned for her strength on court as well as her colourful outfits.

But facing various injuries and distracted by off-court interests, Williams slipped from the top until she staged a comeback this year to win the U.S. Open and regain the No. 1 ranking for the first time in five years.

This year, with her sister Venus, she won gold in the Women's Doubles at the Beijing Olympics.

But it was also her charm and drive that gave her a role in modeling, film, television and fashion, with her line of designer clothing called Aneres -- "Serena" spelled backwards.

"We've watched her rise to No. 1 despite physical and emotional setbacks, and her hard work and determination have inspired legions of fans, young and old. Serena will give her memoir a strong motivational slant," she said in a statement.

Grand Central Publishing is a unit of Hachette Book Group.

Financial terms were not given for the deal that was negotiated with literary agent Suzanne Gluck from the William Morris Agency.