Serena Williams is definitely not short of a buck or two…
Originally published on: 26/02/10 15:22
Serena Williams certainly has been the leading lady at this years Australian Open. She has made her 13th Grand Slam final, is one match away from taking the No.1 spot and is the 2009 doubles champion. If that isnt enough to take in, Serena has now topped the all-time female athlete prize money league tables.
Williams was announced as the all-time leader of female athlete prize money after advancing to the finals of the Australian Open with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Russias Elena Dementieva. Her win yesterday, coupled with reaching the finals of the doubles with sister Venus, overshadows Lindsey Davenports title of all-time leader in womens tennis career prize money. Furthermore, it overtakes former professional ladies golf legend Annika Sorenstam, who held the record with a total of $22,573,192.
Serenas career earnings now stand at a credit crunch untouchable $22,725,475, which has surpassed Davenport by $580,740. Davenport only overtook Steffi Graf in 2008 so Serenas fantastic efforts have not let the American remain at the top for long.
Im thrilled with the news! I remember earning my first cheque of $240 at Quebec City in 1995, and while I knew that I could have a great career in tennis, I could not have imagined or dreamed of all of this, said Williams.
Larry Scott, the CEO of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour commented on Serenas success: This is an historic milestone not just for Serena but all women athletes. He continues, Serena is one of the all time great champions in the history of our sport and this achievement is a product of Serenas amazing on-court accomplishments over an extended time period.
Williams who turned professional in November 1995 at the age of 14, won her first tournament in Quebec City, Canada. She has won every major title in addition to nine Grand Slams this makes her the sixth women to accomplish such a feat. The other five to have achieved this are Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.
Its amazing how much womens tennis has grown since I joined the tour 14 years ago. I am very proud to have reached this milestone for me, my family and all women athletes out there. This achievement really shows that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything, said Serena.
Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here
