Serena Williams ended a dominant second half of 2012 by winning the season-ending WTA Championships in Istanbul. It marked the end of a dramatic change in fortunes for the 31-year-old.
Turkish delight —
Serena Williams ended a dominant second half of 2012 by winning the season-ending WTA Championships in Istanbul. It marked the end of a dramatic change in fortunes for the 31-year-old.
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After nearly a year out with a foot injury and a life-threatening blood clot on her lung, Serena returned to the Tour in June 2011, at Eastbourne. Things didn't go exactly to plan upon her return.
Back for good —
After nearly a year out with a foot injury and a life-threatening blood clot on her lung, Serena returned to the Tour in June 2011, at Eastbourne. Things didn't go exactly to plan upon her return.
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After a disappointing start to 2012, the nadir of Serena's season came with a first round French Open exit at the hands of world No. 111 Virginie Razzano. She told CNN she didn't leave her house for two days after her surprise defeat.
Despair in Paris —
After a disappointing start to 2012, the nadir of Serena's season came with a first round French Open exit at the hands of world No. 111 Virginie Razzano. She told CNN she didn't leave her house for two days after her surprise defeat.
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But Serena stormed back to form at Wimbledon where she secured her fifth singles title at the All England Club and 15th grand slam crown. She overcame a mini meltdown after losing the second set in the final when she thought to herself: "I'm never going to win another grand slam."
Class on grass —
But Serena stormed back to form at Wimbledon where she secured her fifth singles title at the All England Club and 15th grand slam crown. She overcame a mini meltdown after losing the second set in the final when she thought to herself: "I'm never going to win another grand slam."
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Serena's London experience got even better a few hours after her singles win as she and Venus took the ladies doubles crown -- their fifth Wimbledon doubles title.
Sister act —
Serena's London experience got even better a few hours after her singles win as she and Venus took the ladies doubles crown -- their fifth Wimbledon doubles title.
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It is Serena's power and predatory nature on court that can help to give her the edge over her opponents. Outwardly she projects an image of steel but she admits she does get nervous and apprehensive. "I'm a good actress," she says.
I got the power —
It is Serena's power and predatory nature on court that can help to give her the edge over her opponents. Outwardly she projects an image of steel but she admits she does get nervous and apprehensive. "I'm a good actress," she says.
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Serena didn't look back after her doubles triumph at Wimbledon, taking the singles gold at the Olympics back on the famous Centre Court.
All gold —
Serena didn't look back after her doubles triumph at Wimbledon, taking the singles gold at the Olympics back on the famous Centre Court.
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Unsurprisingly, Serena and Venus went on to claim gold in the doubles too. They confirmed to CNN they will defend their title at the Olympics in Rio in 2016.
Double delight —
Unsurprisingly, Serena and Venus went on to claim gold in the doubles too. They confirmed to CNN they will defend their title at the Olympics in Rio in 2016.
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Serena went on to win the final grand slam of the season at the U.S. Open, beating world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka in the final at Flushing Meadows. It underlined what supreme form she was in.
New York style —
Serena went on to win the final grand slam of the season at the U.S. Open, beating world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka in the final at Flushing Meadows. It underlined what supreme form she was in.
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As soon as the tennis season finished Serena and Venus visited Africa, to promote an initiative that recognizes women of all ages who have broken the mould in their respective fields.
Girl power —
As soon as the tennis season finished Serena and Venus visited Africa, to promote an initiative that recognizes women of all ages who have broken the mould in their respective fields.
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