Serena Williams Set To Become WTA’s Oldest No. 1

February 17th, 2013

Serena Williams Set To Become WTA’s Oldest No. 1
by Tom Gainey

The Doha Qatar Open didn’t finish as she would have hoped, but Serena Williams didn’t leave empty handed. Despite a tough 3-set loss today to rival Victoria Azarenka, Serena does take some solace in knowing she’ll return to the No. 1 ranking tomorrow for the sixth time. And in doing so she’ll become the oldest woman to ever hold the top spot.

“I never thought I would be here again,” the 31-year-old Williams said after her quarterfinal win over Petra Kvitova Friday. “I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to get back to No.1. It has been a long road back and it’s a great feeling. It has been a lot of hard work but I don’t want to stop here.”

In the last year Serena has won Wimbledon, the US Open, the WTA Championships along with Olympic gold. Just two years ago she was in the hospital fighting for her life. What a turnaround.

Serena’s Weeks At No.1:
July 8, 2002-August 10, 2003: 57 weeks
September 8, 2008-October 5, 2008: 4 weeks
February 2, 2009-April 19, 2009: 11 weeks
October 12, 2009-October 25, 2009: 2 weeks
November 2, 2009-October 10, 2010: 49 weeks
February 18, 2013-?: 1 week (so far)

Oldest No.1s
Serena Williams: 31 years, 4 months, 24 days (February 18, 2013)
Chris Evert: 30 years, 11 months, 3 days (November 24, 1985)
Martina Navratilova: 30 years, 9 months, 29 days (August 16, 1987)

Post match interview after reaching No. 1:

They also gave her a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG owns the event) jersey:

Also Check Out:
Dominant Serena Williams on Verge of No. 1 Record
Nadal, Federer Cruise Into Quarterfinals; Serena Two Sets From No. 1 Ranking In Doha
Serena Williams Battles Maria Sharapova Saturday For The Miami Sony Open Title
Red Hot Serena Williams Appears On David Letterman [Video]
Serena Williams on Cover of Sports Illustrated, Harper’s Bazaar

Filed under: No. 1 ranking
Tags: Serena Williams

7 Comments for Serena Williams Set To Become WTA’s Oldest No. 1

Truthsquad Says:

It’s really a remarkable achievement for Serena to be entering the pantheon of All time great US players besides the likes of Chrissie and Martina. I hope she’s finds the joy and motivation to play several more years and add to her legacy. I wish American tennis fans appreciated her more, for we will surely miss her some day!

February 18th, 2013 at 12:00 am

jamie Says:

**yawn**

February 18th, 2013 at 12:01 pm

jamie Says:

Chrissie and Martina competed against each other. Two legends taking slams off each other. Serena competes against headcases not legends. Easy peasy for her.

February 18th, 2013 at 12:03 pm

Truthsquad Says:

It is a remarkable achievement to win a major let alone 14 – and maintain such a level of play over a decade regardless oc the competition. I’m sharing my appreciation for her accomplishments. I have no desire to be dragged into the petty and negative battles that some engage on her on a regular basis. Good day Sir!

February 18th, 2013 at 6:08 pm

skeezer Says:

Congrats to Serena! Regardless of what anyone thinks about her, her achievements speak for themselves. Serena had/has the abililty to strike down any top player at any moment despite what her ranking and draw was. THE Warrior of womens tennis! ANY Womens player in todays era has fear and respect when they play Serena. She is simply that good, and a great clutch player.

February 18th, 2013 at 6:49 pm

Alok Says:

Congrats to Serena. She deserves the No.1 ranking, and has been that for years despite where she’s ranked. She’s truly the real No.1.

February 18th, 2013 at 10:02 pm

rogerafa Says:

Great achievement to do so at her age. She is up there with the best players in the history of the game.

February 19th, 2013 at 11:15 am

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