Serena Williams Named Sports Illustrated Person of the Year

Serena Williams

Thanks to a series of record-breaking performances on tennis courts across the globe, Serena Williams has been named Sports Illustrated’s 2015 “Sportsperson of the Year,” marking the first time an individual woman has received the honor in more than three decades.

           

Past recipients of the award include Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Billie Jean King, while the last individual female athlete chosen was track star Mary Decker in 1983.

In all, the 34-year-old American went 53-3 during 2015 with five titles, including at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. Williams was No. 1 in the WTA rankings all season.

"She was the most deserving person for the award. She had an amazing year. The way she won her events; the fact that she's done this for so many years at such a high level," said Paul Fichtenbaum, editor of the Sports Illustrated Group. "She was a terrific candidate in a year of terrific candidates."

“This year was spectacular,” Serena Williams said to SI. "For Sports Illustrated to recognize my hard work, dedication and sheer determination with this award gives me hope to continue on and do better. As I always say, it takes a village -- not just one person. This is not just an accomplishment for me, but for my whole team and all my fans. I am beyond honored.”