Serena Williams has served, volleyed and aced her way to an impressive athletic achievement.
The tennis star has been named 2015 Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated, becoming the first sole female recipient of this honor since Mary Decker in 1983.
“Serena has made a very strong case as not only the greatest tennis player of her generation but of all time, and after the string of performances she put together in 2015, she is one of the most dominant athletes playing today,” Sports Illustrated Group Editor Paul Fichtenbaum said in a statement.
Williams won three Grand Slam titles over the past 12 months, losing in the semifinals of the U.S. Open in a stunning upset.
“This year was spectacular,” Williams said in response to the distinction.
“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.”
But not everyone is happy with Serena earning the above cover, despite her record-breaking year.
In a reader poll, Williams was defeated by multiple athletes, none of whom dated Drake.
Ronda Rousey, Carli Lloyd and the entire Kansas City Royals baseball team earned more votes from random people than Serena.
The creature who should have won Sportsperson of the Year, according to this poll? American Pharaoh, the Triple Crown-winning horse.
Therefore, we now turn it over to you, THGers:
DID SERENA WILLIAMS DESERVE TO WIN SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR?