The choice to give Serena Williams the Sports Illustrated magazine Sportsperson of the Year award has prompted both celebration and contention, with some arguing that the prize had a more deserving victor: racehorse American Pharaoh.
Williams posted the cover on her Instagram, writing, “This year was spectacular for me. For Sports Illustrated to recognize my hard work, my dedication, and my sheer determination gives me hope to continue on and do better.”
The award was seen by many as a welcome celebration of both Williams’ impressive career, and as an achievement for women and people of colour in the sport.
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Sports Illustrated
Williams is the first black woman to win the award
It felt like a full-circle match and moment at the U.S. Open. As the large crowd milled outside Arthur Ashe Stadium full of anticipation on a steamy Tuesday night, it was hard not to flash back to the beginnings for Venus and Serena Williams.
To Compton, Calif., and the early phases of their father Richard’s unlikely business plan to make them champions. To braces and hair beads and walking off court hand-in-hand after their first match against each other as professionals at the 1998 Australian Open.
To Venus sitting, with her hood up and her emotions mixed, in the stands of this vast stadium in 1999 as her little sister became the first Williams to win a major singles title.
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Serena Williams, her back to the camera, with her sister Venus after Serena’s victory. “She’s the toughest player I’ve ever played in my life,” Serena said.Credit Sam Hodgson for The New York Times
Serena Williams slugged her way to a sixth Wimbledon singles title Saturday morning, completing her second so-called “Serena Slam” and positioning herself for tennis history.
The 33-year-old American defeated Garbine Muguruza of Spain, 6-4, 6-4, to win her fourth consecutive Grand Slam tournament, beginning with last year’s U.S. Open and including this year’s Australian and French open titles. She accomplished a similar sweep in 2002-2003.
The Wimbledon win is also Williams’ 21st Grand Slam title.
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Serena Williams celebrates after winning the women’s singles final at Wimbledon,in London on July 11. Kirsty Wigglesworth / AP
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