After lifting a grand slam trophy for a record 23rd time in the Open Era, Serena Williams has also earned a prize from the world of wrestling.
The 35-year-old defeated sister Venus 6-4, 6-4, to become only the second woman in history to win 23 major titles after Margaret Court. The triumph has also ensured Williams’ return to the top of the world rankings after her 186-week reign was ended last September by Germany’s Angelique Kerber.
Williams’ latest achievement has caught the attention of wrestler Triple H (real name Paul Michael Levesque). Levesque is one of the most recognized names in the world of wrestling, winning the WWE World Championships nine times. Celebrating Williams’ triumph at the Australian Open, it has been revealed that she will receive a champion’s belt designed specifically for her.
She is a…
Record-breaking. Ground-breaking. Barrier-breaking.
History-making…Champion. Congrats @serenawilliams! #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/RAMBz7C2cS— Triple H (@TripleH) 28 January 2017
Beside his career as a wrestler, Levesque is also the WWE Executive Vice President of Talent with an annual salary of $3.1 million (as of 2016). He currently has an estimated net worth of $25 million, seven times less than Williams’ estimated $125 million.
Throughout her career, Williams has won 72 WTA titles. This includes 23 grand slams, 23 premier tournaments, five year-end championships and one Olympic gold medal in the singles (not counting her doubles achievements). Sunday’s win in Australia rewards the 35-year-old with 3.7M in prize money.
