Serena Williams was tapped as the Sports Illustrated’s 2015 Sportsperson of the Year on Monday.
Williams, 34, won three Grand Slam titles and lost three times in 56 matches as she dominated women’s tennis this year. Williams is the first individual woman to be selected to the honor since track champion Mary Decker in 1983.
“This year was spectacular,” Serena Williams said in a statement. “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.”
Information from Sports Illustrated and USA Today contributed to this report.
