Sports Illustrated has named tennis star Serena Williams its Sportsperson of the Year 2015. Williams who had a near-perfect year on the court – winning 53 out of the 56 matches she played – was among 12 contenders for the prestigious title.

Williams is one Grand Slam shy of matching Steffi Graf’s open era record haul of 22. But many consider her a better player than the German, given her dominance in a career spanning two decades.

Here is our take on why they may be correct.