It was about a year ago that trophy-hoovering tennis ace Serena Williams listed her Bel-Air trophy estate for a little less than $12 million. Seeking to entice prospective buyers into a volley of negotiation, Williams gave the price a deep slice. The decision is probably compounded with the purchase of a brand spanking new $6.7 million residence in Beverly Hills last year.

Sheared of an even two million dollars, the home is now offered at $9.95 million, just nudging it in the under-$10 million range, and increasing the pool of potential buyers considerably. And the fact that the house is situated on a nearly 3-acre tract of land in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the country might help it along a little, too.

The house dates to 1935, and tosses in a couple of Streamline Moderne riffs. The deficit of glass may not be in line with contemporary tastes, even given the rounded living room, which is walled with a half dozen sets of French doors, each with a two-pane clerestory. And the wet bar, which is expertly placed—in the classic style of the period—with distinct prominence in the shared living space.

The grounds are romantically landscaped and meandering, a neat trick in Bel Air, and therein lies the context of the property. A long, vine-covered arbor, walking paths, a slate-bordered pool, a pool house with a fireplace, and venerable privacy hedges all insistently draw the eye.

Williams took home an astounding 23 Grand Slam singles titles in her career—an Open Era record. She has also embarked in fashion, with her own line of casual clothes.