Serena Williams celebrates year-end WTA world No1 ranking

Serena Williams clinched the year-end world No1 ranking for the fourth time on her way to victory at the WTA Finals in Singapore last week.

The American secured the honour after Maria Sharapova, the only woman with any chance of overtaking her, was knocked out of the season-ending tournament.

Williams, 33, is set to finish the year at No1 for the fourth time in her career, having previously done it in 2002, 2009 and 2013.

She’s the fifth player in WTA history to achieve the feat four or more times, after Steffi Graf (eight), Martina Navratilova (seven), Chris Evert (five) and Lindsay Davenport (four).

“Serena continues to prove that she is one of the greatest athletes of all time and ending the year No1 once again further solidifies her legacy,” Stacey Allaster, chairman and CEO of the WTA, said of Williams’ achievement.

“The year-end No1 ranking is earned through consistent excellence throughout the year – especially great results at major events.

“Serena’s US Open win and five WTA Premier titles have allowed her to stay at the top as the world’s greatest, an extremely deserving honour.”