Serena Honored in TIME Magazine's 100 Women of the Year

Serena Williams was recently named to TIME magazine's list of the 100 most influential women of the past century—the "100 Women of the Year."

In the context of her selection of influential women of the past 10 decades, Williams was included for a record-breaking 2003 season, in which she completed the career Grand Slam by first winning the Australian Open and later became the fifth woman to ever hold all four Slam titles at the same time.

The "100 Women of the Year" list has been released by the magazine to honor Women's History Month, which is celebrated annually in March, and to coincide with the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in the United States. Each year, dating back to 1920, has one selection, which is either a singular woman, women's entity or group. 

"For 72 years, TIME named a Man of the Year," the magazine wrote in an unattributed editorial forward. "With a few exceptions, it was almost always a man, usually a President or a Prime Minister or perhaps a titan of industry. Throughout history, these are the kinds of men who have wielded influence over the world.

"In 1999, Man of the Year gave way to Person of the Year. While the name rightly changed, too often the choice was the same. With this 100 Women of the Year project, we’re spotlighting influential women who were often overshadowed."

Among women from all walks of life, from politicians to scientists, authors and musicians, Williams is joined in the list by athletes, including Babe Didrikson Zaharias (1932) and Florence Griffith Joyner (1988). Despite their diversity of fields, they all have one thing in common—they've transcended history. 

"In her decades of greatness, Williams has inspired a new generation of tennis talent, young women of color who, like her, dared to take up what’s long been a lily-white sport," Sean Gregory wrote in the tennis player's spotlight.

"Rising stars Naomi Osaka, 22, and Coco Gauff, 15, idolized Williams. Gauff grew up in Florida with her poster on her wall. Williams has not only taken women’s tennis to new heights. She has secured her legacy in the generations that will follow her."