Serena Williams recent historic achievement of being named Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year has been marred with criticism following the choice of photo on the magazine cover.
This year, Williams has won five titles, including three Grand Slams. Her quest for a calendar Grand Slam was spoilt in the semifinal of the US Open when she suffered a shock loss to Roberta Vinci. Despite not playing a match since her US Open loss, Williams is currently 3885 points ahead of world No.2 Simona Halep. This is equivalent to the gap between Halep and world No.24 Andrea Petkovic.
Williams is the first female to claim the title on her own since middle distance runner Mary Decker in 1983. The world No.1 has also become the fourth tennis player to win the prestigious title since the birth of the award in 1954. Preceding Williams were Billie Jean King (1972), Chris Evert (1976) and Arthur Ashe (1992).
Whilst there has been praised for the selection of Williams, Sports illustrated has come under attack regarding the photo of Williams that they have inserted on their front cover. The photo shows Williams at her most elegant with long smooth legs and flawless skin. Yet despite the generous photo editing, does it really show the true Serena Williams?
The American is regarded as one of the most powerful players on the WTA Tour with blistering serves. Her build is unique, curvy with visible muscles, which is effective in producing the best results of the WTA Tour. In contrast to the magazine cover which portrays Williams a stunning sports model. While this portal is flattering, it is contradicting the reason why she received the award. Her physical presence on the court that intimidates her rivals and the ability to get herself out of trouble.
The fact Williams is on the cover of the magazine is a massive bonus not just for women but for tennis. It is just a shame they decided to show Williams more as a model as suppose to her real occupation, a world class athlete.
