Serena Dominates Doha, Venus; Breaks Money Record

Serena Williams had to beat sister and rival Venus Williams twice before she can win her 3rd tournament of the year, and cement her status as world #1. She entered the Sony Ericsson Championships ranked #2 behind Dinara Safina but made an impressive display by winning all 5 of her matches in the tournament. She even saved a match point against Venus in the preliminary round, the only match where she lost a set.

With the win, Serena also smashed the record for single season prize money in tennis. Her tournament win ensured that she pockets $6,545,586 for the year – this tops the previous record of almost $5.5 million set by Justine Henin in 2007. More than half a million of Serena’s prize money came from doubles competition where she and Venus teamed to win 3 of the 4 Grand Slam tournaments and finish the year with a career best #3 doubles ranking. Serena’s total career earnings is now at $28,506,993 – and is the highest earner amongst all female athletes in history.

Serena and Venus have met 5 times this year. While Venus started their 2009 rivalry with a 3-set victory in the semifinals of the Dubai tournament in February, Serena won the next four matches. Two of those wins, prevented Venus from defending her biggest tournaments from last year – the Wimbledon Championships and the Tour Championships. Their current head-to-head stand at 13-10 in Serena’s favor.