2009 Serena Williams tennis season explained

Fullname:Serena Jameka Williams
Country: United States
Calendarprizemoney:$6,545,586
Singlesrecord:50–12 (81%)
Singlestitles:3
Yearendsinglesranking:1
Singlesrankingchange: 1
Australianopenresult:W
Frenchopenresult:QF
Wimbledonresult:W
Usopenresult:SF
Wtachampionshipsresult:W
Doublesrecord:24-2 (92.3%)
Doublestitles:4
Yearenddoublesranking:No. 3
Doublesrankingchange: 25
Australianopendoublesresult:W
Frenchopendoublesresult:3R
Wimbledondoublesresult:W
Usopendoublesresult:W
Wtachampionshipsdoublesresult:SF
Fedcup:N

See main article: article. Serena Williams's 2009 tennis season officially began at the 2009 Medibank International Sydney. Williams finished the year ranked world no. 1 for the second time in her career, having played in 16 tournaments, more than any other year. She also broke the record previously set by Justine Henin for the most prize money earned by a female tennis player in one year, with Williams earning $6,545,586. In doubles, she finished the year ranked world no. 3, despite playing only six tournaments as a pair. She won five Grand Slam titles, putting her total Grand Slam titles at 23.

Williams was named Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press[1] in a landslide vote (66 of 158 votes – no other candidate received more than 18 votes). She also was the International Tennis Federation World Champion in singles and doubles.[2]

Year in detail

Early hard court season and Australian Open

Medibank International Sydney

Williams began her 2009 season at the Medibank International Sydney as the top seed and faced local Samantha Stosur in the first round. Williams broke Stosur in the fourth game and maintained the advantage to close out the set. The second set went to a tie-break with a couple of breaks, the breaker went to Stosur. Stosur served for the match at the 10th game and had three match points, but Williams broke back and held. Williams then broke Stosur again in the twelfth game to take the match.[3] In the second round Williams' cruised pass Sara Errani, losing just 3 games.[4] In the quarterfinals Williams' had another tough match this time against Caroline Wozniacki, Williams lost the first set in a tie-break. The second set went to Williams when she broke in the ninth game after failing to serve the set out in the previous game. In the final set, Wozniacki took the lead and serve for the match at the twelfth game and had three match points but Williams broke and forced a tie-break, which she won to three.[5] In the semifinals, Williams was routined by Dementieva in straight sets.[6]

Australian Open

Williams came into the Australian Open having a chance to claim the world number 1 ranking. In her opening round she face Yuan Meng of China and won the first set with a single break and took the first 4 games of the second set and held the lead to win the match.[7] In the following round she faced Gisela Dulko, where she won the first set easily. However, in the second set Dulko served for the set in the ninth game and had six set points, but Williams saved them all and broke and took the next 3 games to win in straight sets.[8] In the third round she faced China's Peng Shuai and took the first set winning the last 6 games of the set. The second set was closer, with Williams being broke twice but still won the set in the tenth game.[9] In the Round of 16, Williams got a lucky break, when her opponent Victoria Azarenka retires due to the heat, after Azarenka won the first set, and Williams was up by a break in the second.[10] In the quarterfinals, Williams faced 8th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova and was in trouble when she fell by a set and Kuznetsova serving for the match at 5–4, However Williams took 9 of the last 10 games to win the match and be the only non-Russian in the semifinals.[11] She avenged her loss to Elena Dementieva in their previous match as she defeated the Russian in straight sets with a break lead in each set.[12] In the final, she faced world no. 3 Dinara Safina, wherein the winner will claim the world no. 1. In the first set Williams took in a bagel, hitting 12 winner and 2 unforced errors. In the second set Safina, had more resistance as she took 3 games in the set, but Williams was proven to good as she won her 10th slam title. The win also meant that Williams has now become the highest paid female athlete in history, overtaking golfer Annika Sörenstam.[13] [14]

In doubles, she paired with sister Venus and won their first three matches in straight sets against Svetlana Kuznetsova and Nadia Petrova, Ayumi Morita and Martina Müller, and Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs.[15] [16] In the quarterfinals, they dropped their first set of the tournament against the team of Hsieh Su-wei and Peng Shuai, when they lost the second set, but eventually won in three.[17] In the semifinals, they faced the team of Casey Dellacqua and Francesca Schiavone and won easily with a loss of only two games.[18] In the final, they faced Daniela Hantuchová and Ai Sugiyama also known as "Hantuyama", the Williams sister fell by an early break but took six of the last seven games to the take the first set. They then took the second set, breaking in the ninth game of the second set to win the match.[19]

Open GDF Suez

Having just re-claimed the no. 1 ranking, Williams competed in the Open GDF Suez. She cruised through in her first round against Iveta Benešová, Williams took the last 6 games of the first set to win it and then went on to take the second set as well.[20] In the following round, she cruised pass Croat Karolina Šprem without dropping a point on serve in straight sets.[21] In the quarterfinals, it was again smooth sailing for Williams as she dispatches Frenchwoman Émilie Loit in straight sets.[22] Williams was then forced to withdraw from her semifinal match against Elena Dementieva due to a right knee tendon injury.[23]

Dubai Tennis Championships

Williams next scheduled event is the Dubai Tennis Championships. Being the top seed, Williams received a bye into the second round, where she faced Italian Sara Errani, Williams dropped the first set, but came back dropping just two games in the nest two sets and winning a bagel in the third.[24] She then faced 13th seed Zheng Jie, where she won in straight sets.[25] In the quarterfinals, Williams faced former World no. 1 and reigning French Open champion Ana Ivanovic and won in four in straight sets, coming from a break down in the second set.[26] In the semifinals, Williams faced sister Venus Williams in their 19th meeting having split their previous 18. The first set went to Venus, after Serena's first service percentage was a dire 36%, compared to her elder sibling's 83%, and she delivered six double faults, whereas Venus kept her slate clean. In the second set Serena cleaned her game, came back and won it to push a decider. The third set then went to a tie-break, which Venus won, thus ending Serena's 13 match winning-streak.[27]

Sony Ericsson Open

Williams entered the Sony Ericsson Open as the top seed and received a bye into the second round. Williams began her campaign for a record sixth title against American wild card Alexa Glatch and won in straight sets.[28] In the following round, she faced Peng Shuai and won in straight sets, however despite the straight sets win, Williams was broken three times.[29] In the fourth round she faced Zheng Jie, Williams won the first five games, however Zheng won the next five games to even it out. Williams eventually broke in the twelfth game to win the set. In the second set Zheng was ahead by a break twice but failed to capitalize, however she broke Williams in the eleventh game and held to go to a decider. Zheng led by a break in the decider, but Williams was able to get back winning six of the last seven games to advance.[30] In the quarterfinals, Williams faced her third Chinese opponent in a row in Li Na, Williams suffered a slow start losing the first five games, but was able to find some form to win the next four. However, Li was able to hold serve in the tenth game to win the set. The second set went to a tie-break after both players failed to take advantage of break points, Williams won the breaker losing only a point. Williams then broke Li in the third and fifth games and served it out in the eight game to advance to the semifinals[31] In the semifinals, she faced sister Venus Williams, Serena served for the first set at ninth game, but was broken just to break again to take the set. In the second set Venus broke in the ninth game to push it to a decider. In the third set while serving to stay in the match at 5–3, Serena broke Venus to advance to her 7th Miami final.[32] In the final, Williams faced Victoria Azarenka and lost convincingly 3–6, 1–6. Williams was hampered with ankle and quad injuries and was advised not to play in the final.[33]

Clay court season and French Open

Andalucia Tennis Experience, Internazionali BNL d'Italia, Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open

Williams then headed to the clay court season. Her first tournament was at the Andalucia Tennis Experience, however she was upset by then world no. 95 Klára Zakopalová in three sets, with Williams winning the second.[34] She then headed to the Internazionali BNL d'Italia having dropped the number 1 ranking to Safina, she faced Patty Schnyder in the second round after receiving a bye and lost in three sets, after winning the second set.[35] Her clay court season has gone from bad to worse when she retired against Francesca Schiavone after having dropped the first set in the first round of the Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open due to a right knee injury. This is extended her losing streak to four, the longest in her career.[36]

French Open

Williams entered the French Open having not won a match on clay. In the first round she faced Klára Zakopalová, who beat her in their last encounter. Williams was quick to take the lead was a set and a break-up; Williams squandered 5 match points in the ninth game and lost the second set in a tie-break. Williams then led the third with a break and had three match points in the eight game and had another three match points, but Zakopalová came back to get it on serve, just to lose her serve in the tenth game of the third set to hand the win to Williams in Williams' ninth match point. This ends Williams' four match losing streak.[37] [38] In the second round, Williams faced Virginia Ruano Pascual and unlike her first-round match, Williams cruised through, losing just two games including a bagel in the first set.[39] In her next match she faced another Spaniard in María José Martínez Sánchez. Martínez Sánchez took the first set with a break, but with controversy as Williams fired in a powerful shot that appeared to graze Martínez Sánchez's hand as she looked to defend herself. The Spaniard denied that such happened, Martínez Sánchez got the break in that game and took the set. Williams came back and took the last two sets with a single break lead in each set.[40] In the fourth round, she face Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak and won comfortably in straight sets in 53 minutes.[41] In the quarterfinals, she faced Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, Kuznetsova took the first set in a tie-break after saving a set point on her own serve in the twelfth game. Kuznetsova served for the match in the ninth game of the second set, but Williams broke through and won the last four games to push it to a decider. Williams then led by an early break just to surrender it and the match to Kuznetsova when she got broken in the twelfth game of the third set. Williams later admitted that she got tight in the match.[42]

In the doubles, Williams paired again with sister Venus and entered as the fifth seeds; the sisters scrapped through their first two matches, winning it in three against the teams of Andrea Hlaváčková and Lucie Hradecká, and Gisela Dulko and Ágnes Szávay. However, their resistance was placed in halt as they lost in the third round to Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Nadia Petrova; after winning the first set, they eventually lost in a tie-break in the final set.[43]

Wimbledon Championships

Williams entered Wimbledon Championships as the second seed and favorite.[43] In her opening match, she faced Neuza Silva and won in straight sets without facing a break point. She hit nine aces and 32 winners in the win.[44] In the second round, she faced Australian Jarmila Groth and won the first set by breaking Groth in the fourth and eight game. In the second set, Groth didn't held serve but broke Williams once in the set, handing Williams the match. The match lasted only 57 minutes.[45] In the third round, she faced Italy's Roberta Vinci and won in straight sets, despite getting broken twice in the match, once in each set.[46] In the round of 16, she faced Daniela Hantuchová and won easily in straight sets.[47] In the quarterfinals, Williams faced Victoria Azarenka, the woman that defeated her in the final of Miami, Williams won the last four games of the first set to win it. Azarenka then led by a break in the second set, but Williams came back once again winning the last four games to advance.[48] In the semifinals, Williams faced rival Elena Dementieva. The first set saw Dementieva breaking the Williams serve just to be broken back. The set was pushed to a tie-break, which was won by Dementieva. Williams then broke in opening game of the second just to be broken in the sixth game. Williams then broke the Russian in the 11th game and served out the set to force a third set. In the final set, Dementieva broke early in the deciding set for a 3–1 lead only for Williams to break back immediately.Dementieva had a break and match point in the tenth games only for Williams to retrieve it with a low volley that clipped the net. The match remained close until Williams secured a break in the 13th game and serve it out and head to the final.[49] In the final, she faced sister Venus Williams in their fourth Wimbledon final. Serena took the first set in a tie-break, the first saw Venus having break points but failing to convert whereas Serena didn't have any. Serena broke Venus twice in the second set including in the final game and won in her fourth match point to win her 11th slam and third Wimbledon.[50]

Once again, Williams paired with her sister Venus Williams in doubles as the fourth seeds. In the first round, they faced the French team of Virginie Razzano and Aravane Rezaï and won in three in both sets.[51] They then cruised pass Sabine Lisicki and Aleksandra Wozniak in the second round in straight sets.[52] In the third round, they faced the Chinese pair of Yan Zi and Zheng Jie and dominated winning in a double bagel.[53] In the final eight, they defeated Anna-Lena Grönefeld and Vania King in straight sets.[54] In the semifinals, they faced the top seeds and co-world no. 1's Cara Black and Liezel Huber and won losing only three games.[55] In the final they took on the Australian duo of Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs and won in two close sets, winning the first in a breaker and the second with a single break lead to claim their ninth slam as a team.[56]

US Open Series

Bank of the West Classic

Williams began her US Open preparation at the Bank of the West Classic. Williams faced Li Na in the first round, she had a set and had two match points in the eight game, however Li came back to force it to a tie-break. Williams closed out the match in her seventh match point.[57] In the second round she faced Hungarian Melinda Czink, Williams broke in the fourth game and held it to take the set. Czink led by an early break, but Williams was able to force it to a tie-break, where she saved a set point and won the set to advance.[58] In the quarterfinals, Williams took on Samantha Stosur, Stosur won the first set, but Williams came back winning the second. Williams had break points in the fifth game but failed to convert, that proved costly as Stosur took the next three games to take the final set and the match.[59]

The Williams Sisters paired up to play doubles. They cruised through their first three matches in straight sets to advance to the finals, defeating the teams of Chen Yi and Mashona Washington, Līga Dekmeijere and Julie Ditty, and Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Nadia Petrova.[60] They claimed their third title of the year by defeating the team of Yung-Jan Chan and Monica Niculescu in the final.[61]

Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open

Williams next scheduled event is the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open. Williams received a bye in the first round and defeated Kateryna Bondarenko in the second round in straight sets. In the following round she faced Sybille Bammer, this time ending up in the losing side in straight sets. Williams also lost her only previous encounter with Bammer.[62]

Rogers Cup

Williams made her final stop before the US Open at the Rogers Cup. Williams got a bye to advance to the second round where she faced Yaroslava Shvedova and easily won in straight set only dropping 5 games.[63] In the next round, Williams faced Alona Bondarenko and once again won with only dropping 5 games.[64] In the quarterfinals, for the third match in a row, Williams only dropped five games this time to Czech Lucie Šafářová.[65] In the semifinals, she faced Elena Dementieva for the fourth time in the year. Williams served for the match in the ninth game but Dementieva rallied to push the first set into a tie-break, which Dementieva won. Dementieva then took advantage taking the second set dropping only a game to advance to the final.[66]

US Open

Williams began her quest for her twelfth slam at the US Open, she entered the tournament as the defending champion and is trying to win US Open for two consecutive years for the first time. She opened her campaign against compatriot Alexa Glatch, Williams won easily in straight sets despite making 18 winners to 19 unforced errors in the match.[67] In the following round, she faced Melinda Czink, and won with a double breadstick victory. Williams made 25 winners to just 9 unforced errors.[68] In the third round she faced María José Martínez Sánchez for the first time after their controversial match in the French, Williams broke in the second game and held it through to take the first set. In the second set Williams went behind by an early break but came back to serve it out in the twelfth game.[69] In the next round, she stormed pass Daniela Hantuchová, as Williams reeled in 10 games in a row starting from the fifth game of the first set to move on.[70] In the final eight, Williams faced Italian Flavia Pennetta and won in straight sets, hitting 22 winners to 19 unforced errors.[71] After several rain delays, her semifinal match against Kim Clijsters took place 4 days after her quarterfinal match. Williams was down by a set and 5-6 15–30, serving to stay in the match when a foot fault was called that gave Clijsters two match points. Williams then launched into a tirade directed at the lineswoman, for which Serena was given a code violation. The violation ended up as a point penalty due to receiving a warning for racquet abuse earlier in the match, thus ending the match in controversial fashion.[72] The following day, Williams was issued the maximum permissible on-site fine of $10,000 (plus $500 for racquet abuse). After further investigation, the Grand Slam Committee in November 2009 fined her $175,000 in lieu of suspending her from the 2010 US Open or other Grand Slam events.[73] They also placed her on a two-year probation, so if Williams committed another offense in the following two years at a Grand Slam tournament, she would be suspended from participating in the following US Open. If she committed no offenses in the next two years, her fine would be reduced to $82,500. Williams initially refused to apologize for her outburst, both in her post-match press conference[74] and in an official statement released the following day.[75] She eventually apologized to the lineswoman in a statement two days following the incident.

Vying for their first title as a team at the US Open in ten years, the Williams sisters made quick work of their first three opponents Julia Görges and Arantxa Parra Santonja, Yung-Jan Chan and Katarina Srebotnik, and Sorana Cîrstea and Caroline Wozniacki defeating them all in straight sets.[76] In the quarterfinals they defeated Yan Zi and Zheng Jie defeating them in two tight sets.[77] In the semifinals, they faced the Russian pairing of Alisa Kleybanova and Ekaterina Makarova and won the first set in tie-break. However, they lost the second set ending their 29-set winning streak. The final set went to the Williams sisters as they advance to the final.[78] In the final, they faced top ranked doubles team of Cara Black and Liezel Huber and took control of the match to claim their tenth slam as a team and their second US Open crown.[79]

Asian Swing and Year-End Championships

China Open

Williams then went to Asia at the China Open with a chance of regaining the world no. 1 ranking from Dinara Safina. In the first round she faced Estonian Kaia Kanepi and won in straights with a single break lead in each set.[80] Williams then defeated Ekaterina Makarova in the second round in two easy sets and claimed the no. 1 ranking after Safina fell earlier in the day.[81] In the round of 16, she took on Russian Nadia Petrova, Petrova took the first set, with Williams coming back to take the second. In the third set both displayed good serving as neither dropped serve to push it to a tie-break, which Petrova won.[82]

WTA Tour Championships

Williams entered the Year-End Championships as the second seed and was placed in the Maroon group with Elena Dementieva, Svetlana Kuznetsova and sister Venus Williams. Williams was in contention for the Year-End no. 1 ranking along with top seed Dinara Safina. Williams began her tournament against Svetlana Kuznetsova. Williams rallied in the first coming back from a break twice to take it to a tie-break, Williams then took the second set breaking Kuznetsova in the 11th game of the set and served it out to win the match.[83] In her second round robin match, Williams faced older sister Venus Williams. Serena lost the first set but came back to win the second. In the finals set Serena was up by a double break, just to see Venus take five games in a row. Serena was serving to stay in that match in twelfth game and saved a match point to go to a tie-break, with Serena taking the breaker. Due to Safina's withdrawal from the event, thus securing Serena Williams the Year End no. 1 ranking only for the second time in her career.[84] In her final group match, she took on Elena Dementieva, whom she has split their 4 meeting in the year, Dementieva began the match by breaking Williams in the third game, just to see Williams get back by winning the next seven game to take the first set and an early break. Dementieva came back to push it on serve but got broken in the ninth game of the set and Williams closed it out to go 3–0 in her group.[85] In the semifinals, Williams faced Caroline Wozniacki, where she took the first set and was broken in the first game when Wozniacki retired due to a left abdominal strain.[86] In the final it was an all-Williams final, as she took on sister Venus Williams, Serena took the first set breaking Venus twice. The second set, went on serve all throughout, with no breaks thus going to a tie-break, which Serena won to cap her no. 1 ranking with her 35th title.[87]

Williams qualified with sister Venus Williams and played for the first time as team in the Year-End Championships. In the semifinals they faced the Spanish duo of Nuria Llagostera Vives and María José Martínez Sánchez, where they took the first set but lost the second set. In the match tie-break, the Williams sisters lost it by 10 points to 8.[88]

All matches

Singles matches

TournamentMatchRoundOpponentRankResultScore
Medibank International Sydney
Sydney, Australia
WTA Premier
Hard
11–16 January 2009
4851R
  1. 46
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–7(7–9), 7–5
4862R
  1. 38
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 6–2
487QF
  1. 12
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–7(7-9), 6–3, 7–6(7–3)
488SF
  1. 4
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss3–6, 1–6
Australian Open
Melbourne, Australia
Grand Slam
Hard, outdoor
19 January - 1 February 2009
4891R
  1. 123
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–2
4902R Gisela Dulko
  1. 45
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 7–5
4913R
  1. 41
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 6–4
4924R
  1. 14
bgcolor=lightgreenWin3–6, 4–2 ret
493QF
  1. 8
bgcolor=lightgreenWin5–7, 7–5, 6–1
494SF
  1. 4
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–4
495F
  1. 3
Win6–0, 6–3
Open GDF Suez
Paris, France
WTA Premier
Hard (i)
9–15 February 2009
4961R
  1. 34
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 6–4
4972R
  1. 145
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 6–2
498QF
  1. 134
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–4, 6–1
-SF
  1. 4
N/AWithdrew
Dubai Tennis Championships
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
WTA Premier 5
Hard
15–21 February 2009
-1RBye
4992R
  1. 32
bgcolor=lightgreenWin4–6, 6–2, 6–0
5003R
  1. 20
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–4, 6–2
501QF
  1. 8
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–4, 6–4
502SF
  1. 6
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss1–6, 6–2, 6–7(3–7)
Sony Ericsson Open
Key Biscane, Miami
WTA Premier Mandatory
Hard
23 March - 5 April 2009
1RBye
5032R
  1. 124
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–2, 6–3
5043R
  1. 34
bgcolor=lightgreenWin7–5, 6–2
5054R
  1. 17
bgcolor=lightgreenWin7–5, 5–7, 6–3
506QF
  1. 40
bgcolor=lightgreenWin4–6, 7–6(7–1), 6–2
507SF
  1. 6
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–4, 3–6, 6–3
508F Victoria Azarenka
  1. 10
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss3–6, 1–6
Andalucia Tennis Experience
Marbella, Spain
WTA International
Clay, Red
6–12 April 2009
5091R
  1. 95
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss4–6, 6–3, 1–6
Internazionali BNL d'Italia
Rome, Italy
WTA Premier 5
Clay, Red
2–8 May 2009
-1RBye
5102R
  1. 20
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss2–6, 6–2, 1–6
Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open
Madrid, Spain
WTA Premier Mandatory
Clay, Red
9–15 May 2009
5111R
  1. 45
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss4–6, ret
French Open
Paris, France
Grand Slam
Clay, Red
23 May - 5 June 2009
5121R Klára Zakopalová
  1. 100
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–7(7–9), 6–4
5132R
  1. 133
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–2, 6–0
5143R
  1. 43
bgcolor=lightgreenWin4–6, 6–3, 6–4
5154R
  1. 24
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 6–2
516QF
  1. 7
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss6–7(3–7), 7–5, 5–7
Wimbledon
London, United Kingdom
Grand Slam
Grass
21 June - 4 July 2009
5171R Neuza Silva
  1. 154
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 7–5
5182R
  1. 69
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–2, 6–1
5193R
  1. 53
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–4
5204R
  1. 32
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–1
521QF
  1. 8
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–2, 6–3
522SF
  1. 4
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–7(7–9), 7–5, 8–6
523F
  1. 3
Win7–6(7–3), 6–2
Bank of the West Classic
Stanford, United States
WTA Premier
Hard, outdoor
27 July - 2 August 2009
5241R
  1. 18
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 7–6(8–6)
5252R
  1. 56
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 7–6(9–7)
526QF
  1. 20
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss2–6, 6–3, 2–6
Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open
Cincinnati, United States
WTA Premier 5
Hard, outdoor
10–16 August 2009
-1RBye
5272R
  1. 37
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–2
5283R
  1. 29
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss5–7, 4–6
Rogers Cup
Toronto, Canada
WTA Premier 5
Hard, outdoor
17–23 August 2009
-1RBye
5292R
  1. 61
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–2
5303R
  1. 44
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 6–4
531QF
  1. 46
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–2
532SF
  1. 5
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss6–7(2–7), 1–6
US Open
New York City, United States
Grand Slam
Hard, outdoor
31 August - 13 September 2009
5331R Alexa Glatch
  1. 103
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–4, 6–1
5342R
  1. 51
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 6–1
5353R María José Martínez Sánchez
  1. 43
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 7–5
5364R
  1. 24
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–2, 6–0
537QF
  1. 10
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–4, 6–3
538SFNRbgcolor=lightpinkLoss4–6, 5–7
China Open
Beijing, China
WTA Premier Mandatory
Hard, outdoor
3–9 October 2009
5391R
  1. 56
bgcolor=lightgreenWin7–5, 6–4
5402R
  1. 55
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–2
5413R
  1. 17
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss4–6, 6–3, 6–7(5–7)
WTA Tour Championships
Doha, Qatar
Year-End Championship
Hard, indoor
27 October - 1 November 2009
542RR
  1. 3
bgcolor=lightgreenWin7–6(8–6), 7–5
543RR
  1. 7
bgcolor=lightgreenWin5–7, 6–4, 7–6(7–4)
544RR
  1. 5
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–2, 6–4
545SF
  1. 4
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–4, 0–1, ret
546F
  1. 7
Win6–2, 7–6(7–4)

Doubles matches

TournamentMatchRoundPartnerOpponentsRankResultScore
Australian Open
Melbourne, Australia
Grand Slam
Hard, outdoor
19 January - 1 February 2009
1291R Svetlana Kuznetsova
Nadia Petrova
  1. 137
    #23
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–1
1302R Ayumi Morita
Martina Müller
  1. 70
    #100
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–3
1313R Samantha Stosur
Rennae Stubbs
  1. 13
    #9
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–4, 6–2
132QF Hsieh Su-wei
Peng Shuai
  1. 31
    #29
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–2, 4–6, 6–3
133SF Casey Dellacqua
Francesca Schiavone
  1. 20
    #32
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–0, 6–2
134F Daniela Hantuchová
Ai Sugiyama
  1. 48
    #6
Win6–3, 6–3
French Open
Paris, France
Grand Slam
Clay, Red
23 May - 5 June 2009
1351R Andrea Hlaváčková
Lucie Hradecká
  1. 60
    #55
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 3–6, 6–3
1362R Gisela Dulko
Ágnes Szávay
  1. 38
    #73
bgcolor=lightgreenWin2–6, 6–1, 6–2
1373R Bethanie Mattek-Sands
Nadia Petrova
  1. 27
    #13
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss6–7(4-7), 7–5, 6–7(6–8)
Wimbledon
London, United Kingdom
Grand Slam
Grass
21 June - 4 July 2009
1381R Virginie Razzano
Aravane Rezaï
  1. 132
    #192
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–3, 6–3
1392R Sabine Lisicki
Aleksandra Wozniak
  1. 179
    #853
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 6–4
1403R Yan Zi
Zheng Jie
  1. 32
    #30
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–0, 6–0
141QF Anna-Lena Grönefeld
Vania King
  1. 23
    #28
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–2, 7–5
142SF Cara Black
Liezel Huber
  1. 1
    #1
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 6–2
143F Samantha Stosur
Rennae Stubbs
  1. 6
    #12
Win7–6(7-4), 6–4
Bank of the West Classic
Stanford, United States
WTA Premier
Hard, outdoor
27 July - 2 August 2009
1441R Venus Williams Chen Yi
Mashona Washington
  1. 130
    #114
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–4, 6–2
145QF Venus Williams Līga Dekmeijere
Julie Ditty
  1. 69
    #68
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–1, 6–0
146SF Venus Williams Bethanie Mattek-Sands
Nadia Petrova
  1. 27
    #12
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–2, 6–2
147F Yung-Jan Chan
Monica Niculescu
  1. 72
    #30
Win6–4, 6–1
US Open
New York City, United States
Grand Slam
Hard, outdoor
31 August - 13 September 2009
1481R Venus Williams Julia Görges
Arantxa Parra Santonja
  1. 70
    #67
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–2, 6–2
1492R Venus Williams Yung-Jan Chan
Katarina Srebotnik
  1. 81
    #21
bgcolor=lightgreenWin7–5, 6–1
1503R Venus Williams Sorana Cîrstea
Caroline Wozniacki
  1. 47
    #55
bgcolor=lightgreenWin6–4, 6–2
151QF Venus Williams Yan Zi
Zheng Jie
  1. 27
    #29
bgcolor=lightgreenWin7–5, 6–4
152SF Venus Williams Alisa Kleybanova
Ekaterina Makarova
  1. 34
    #35
bgcolor=lightgreenWin7–6(7-4), 3–6, 6–2
153F Cara Black
Liezel Huber
  1. 1
    #1
Win6–2, 6–2
WTA Tour Championships
Doha, Qatar
Year-End Championship
Hard, indoor
26 October - 1 November 2009
154SF Venus Williams
  1. 9
    #10
bgcolor=lightpinkLoss6–2, 3–6, [8–10]

Tournament schedule

Singles schedule

Williams' 2009 singles tournament schedule is as follows:

width=130Datewidth=220Championshipwidth=120Locationwidth=175Categorywidth=75Surfacewidth=40Pointswidth=290Outcome
11 January 2009 –
16 January 2009
Sydney (AUS) Hard 200 Semifinals
lost to Elena Dementieva, 3–6, 1–6
19 January 2009 –
1 February 2009
Melbourne (AUS) Hard 2000 Winner
defeated Dinara Safina, 6–0, 6–3
9 February 2009 –
15 February 2009
Paris (FRA) Hard, indoors 200 Semifinals
Withdrew before match against Elena Dementieva
16 February 2009 –
22 February 2009
Dubai (UAE) Hard 350 Semifinals
lost to Venus Williams, 1–6, 6–2, 6–7(3-7)
23 March 2009 –
5 April 2009
Miami (USA) Hard 600 Final
lost to Victoria Azarenka 3–6, 1–6
6 April 2009 –
11 April 2009
Marbella (ESP) Clay, Red 1 First round
lost to Klára Zakopalová 4–6, 6–3, 1–6
2 May 2009 –
8 May 2009
Rome (ITA) Clay, Red 1 Second round
lost to Patty Schnyder 2–6, 6–2, 1–6
9 May 2009 –
15 May 2009
Madrid (ESP) Clay, Red 5 First round
lost to Francesca Schiavone 4–6, ret
24 May 2009 –
6 June 2009
Paris (FRA) Clay 500 Quarterfinals
lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova, 6–7(3-7), 7–5, 5–7
21 June 2009 –
4 July 2009
Wimbledon (GBR) Grass 2000 Winner
defeated Venus Williams, 7–6(7-3), 6–2
27 July 2009 –
2 August 2009
Stanfored (USA) Hard 120 Quarterfinals
lost to Samantha Stosur 6–2, 3–6, 6–2
10 August 2009 –
16 August 2009
Dubai (UAE) Hard 110 Third round
lost to Sybille Bammer, 5–7, 4–6
17 August 2009 –
23 August 2009
Toronto (CAN) Hard 350 Semifinals
lost to Elena Dementieva, 6–7(2-7), 1–6
31 August 2009 –
13 September 2009
New York (USA) Hard 900 Semifinals
lost to Kim Clijsters, 4–6, 5–7
3 October 2009 –
9 October 2009
Beijing (CHN) Hard 140 Third round
lost to Nadia Petrova 4–6, 6–3, 6–7(5–7)
26 October 2009 –
1 November 2009
Doha (QTR) Hard, indoors 1,500 Winner
defeated Venus Williams 6–2, 7–6(7-4)
Total year-end points

Doubles schedule

Williams' 2009 doubles tournament schedule is as follows:

width=120Datewidth=190Championshipwidth=140Locationwidth=180Categorywidth=145Partnerwidth=60Surfacewidth=40Pointswidth=340Outcome
19 January 2009–
1 February 2009
Melbourne (AUS) Hard 2000 Winner
defeated Hantuchová/Sugiyama, 6–3, 6–3
24 May 2009–
7 June 2009
Paris (FRA) Clay 280 Third Round
lost to Mattek-Sands/Petrova, 7–6(7-4), 5–7, 7–6(8–6)
22 June 2009–
5 July 2009
Wimbledon (GBR) Grass 2000 Winner
defeated Stosur/Stubbs, 7–6(7-4), 6–4
27 July 2009 –
2 August 2009
Stanfored (USA) Hard 470 Winner
defeated Chan/Niculescu, 6–4, 6–1
31 August 2009 –
13 September 2009
New York (USA) Hard 2000 Winner
defeated Black/Huber, 6–2, 6–2
26 October 2009 –
1 November 2009
Doha (QTR) Hard (i) 690 Semifinals
lost to Llagostera Vives/Martínez Sánchez, 2–6, 6–3, [10-8]
Total year-end points

Yearly records

Head-to-head matchups

Ordered by percentage of wins

Finals

Singles: 4 (3–1)

valign=top
Legend
Grand Slam (2–0)
Year-End Championships (1–0)
WTA Premier Mandatory (0–1)
valign=top
Finals by surface
Hard (2–1)
Grass (1–0)
valign=top
Finals by venue
Outdoors (2–1)
Indoors (1–0)
width=75Outcome!width=35No.!width=110Date!width=305Championship!width=60Surface!width=180Opponent in the final!width=230Score in the final
Winner33.January 31, 2009Australian Open, Melbourne, Australia (4)Hard Dinara Safina6–0, 6–3
Runner-up13.April 5, 2009Miami, US (2)Hard Victoria Azarenka3–6, 1–6
Winner34.July 5, 2009Wimbledon, London, UK (3)Grass Venus Williams7–6(7–3), 6–2
Winner35.November 1, 2009WTA Tour Championships, Doha, Qatar (2)Hard (i) Venus Williams6–2, 7–6(7–4)

Doubles: 4 (4–0)

valign=top
Legend
Grand Slam (3–0)
Premier (1–0)
valign=top
Finals by surface
Hard (3–0)
Grass (1–0)
valign=top
width=55Outcomewidth=35No.width=110Datewidth=250Championshipwidth=60Surfacewidth=120Partnerwidth=150Opponent in the finalwidth=150Score in the final
Winner14.January 30, 2009Australian Open, Melbourne, Australia (3)Hard Venus Williams Ai Sugiyama
Daniela Hantuchová
6–3, 6–3
Winner15.July 4, 2009Wimbledon, London, UK (4)Grass Venus Williams Samantha Stosur
Rennae Stubbs
7–6(7–4), 6–4
Winner16.August 2, 2009Stanford, US (1)Hard Venus Williams Chan Yung-jan
Monica Niculescu
6–4, 6–1
Winner17.September 14, 2009US Open, New York City, US (2)Hard Venus Williams Cara Black
Liezel Huber
6–2, 6–2

Earnings

width=20
  1. !
Event Prize money Year-to-date
1 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$28,100 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$28,100
align=center rowspan=22 Australian Open align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$1,373,604 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$1,401,704
Australian Open (doubles) align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$154,531 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$1,556,235
3 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$22,962 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$1,579,197
4 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$87,500 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$1,666,697
5 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$350,000 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$2,016,697
6 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$2,707 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$2,019,404
7 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$10,275 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$2,029,679
8 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$12,002 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$2,041,681
align=center rowspan=29 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$187,185 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$2,228,866
French Open (doubles) align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$14,975 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$2,243,841
align=center rowspan=210 Wimbledon align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$1,456,627 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$3,700,468
Wimbledon (doubles) align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$197,073 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$3,897,541
align=center rowspan=211 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$15,925 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$3,913,466
Bank of the West Classic (doubles) align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$17,000 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$3,930,466
12 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$20,000 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$3,950,466
13 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$87,500 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$4,037,966
align=center rowspan=214 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$342,825 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$4,380,791
US Open (doubles) align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$205,695 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$4,586,486
15 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$37,225 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$4,623,711
align=center rowspan=216 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$1,550,000 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$6,173,711
WTA Tour Championships (doubles) align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$46,875 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$6,220,586
Bonus Pool align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$175,000 align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$6,545,586
align=right style="padding-right: 2em"$6,545,586
Figures in United States dollars (USD) unless noted.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Williams wins AP's Female Athlete of the Year award . tennis.com . December 22, 2009 . December 24, 2009.
  2. Web site: Serena ITF World Champion . wtatennis.com . December 23, 2009 . December 24, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130904024154/http://www.wtatennis.com/news/serena-itf-world-champion-20091223_2256076_1912973 . 2013-09-04 . dead .
  3. Web site: Medibank. Brilliant opening day in Sydney. 11 January 2009.
  4. Web site: Medibank. Serena slams into quarterfinals. 13 January 2009.
  5. Web site: Associated Press Australia. Williams battles through again. 14 January 2009.
  6. Web site: Associated Press Australia. Dementieva stops Serena. 15 January 2009.
  7. Web site: Australian Open: Serena Williams begins bid for fourth title with comfortable victory over China's Meng Yuan. TheGuardian.com. 20 January 2009.
  8. Web site: WTA. SERENA GRINDS, ELENA SAILS ON. 22 January 2009.
  9. Web site: LA Times. Serena Williams advances in Australian Open. 24 January 2009.
  10. Web site: WTA. THINGS HEAT UP AS LAST 16 WRAPS UP. 26 January 2009.
  11. Web site: Guardian. Kuznetsova cries foul after roof decision benefits Williams. 28 January 2009.
  12. Web site: Associated Press. Serena Williams beats Dementieva, advances to Australian Open final. 29 January 2009.
  13. Web site: Associated Press. Serena rolls to 10th Grand Slam title. 31 January 2009.
  14. Web site: WTA. SERENA WINS 10TH MAJOR, RETURNS TO NO.1. 31 January 2009.
  15. Web site: WTA. TOP DOUBLES SEEDS PASS SECOND ROUND TESTS. 25 January 2009.
  16. Web site: WTA. DOUBLES QUARTERFINAL LINE-UP SET IN MELBOURNE. 26 January 2009.
  17. Web site: WTA. HANTUCHOVA, SUGIYAMA WIN THRILLER OVER BLACK, HUBER. 28 January 2009.
  18. Web site: WTA. 'HANTUYAMA', WILLIAMS SISTERS TO VIE FOR TROPHY. 29 January 2009.
  19. Web site: WTA. VENUS, SERENA VICTORIOUS DOWN UNDER. 30 January 2009.
  20. Web site: WTA. SERENA CHECKS INTO PARIS WITH WIN. 11 February 2009.
  21. Web site: WTA. RENCH FLAIR PREVAILS IN PARIS QUARTERS. 12 February 2009.
  22. Web site: WTA. AMÉLIE FLIES THE FLAG IN PARIS SEMIS. 12 February 2009.
  23. Web site: WTA. SERENA CHECKS INTO PARIS WITH WIN. 11 February 2009.
  24. Web site: WTA. SAVVY RAZZANO UPSETS SAFINA IN DUBAI. 17 February 2009.
  25. Web site: WTA. KANEPI SHOCKS JANKOVIC IN DUBAI. 18 February 2009.
  26. Web site: WTA. SISTERS SET UP SF DATE IN DUBAI. 19 February 2009.
  27. Web site: WTA. VENUS SILENCES SERENA IN DUBAI SEMIS. 20 February 2009.
  28. Web site: Sony Ericsson Open. SERENA BEGINS QUEST FOR RECORD SIXTH TITLE. 29 March 2009.
  29. Web site: Sony Ericsson Open. SERENA, VENUS MAINTAIN THEIR FOCUS. 30 March 2009.
  30. Web site: Sony Ericsson Open. SERENA FIGHTS FOR 50TH WIN & QUARTERFINAL SPOT. 30 March 2009.
  31. Web site: Sony Ericsson Open. SERENA BATTLES INTO SEMIFINALS. 1 April 2009.
  32. Web site: Sony Ericsson Open. SERENA WINS SISTER ACT TO REACH FINAL. 2 April 2009.
  33. Web site: Sony Ericsson Open. FEARLESS AZARENKA DENIES SERENA A SLICE OF HISTORY. 4 April 2009.
  34. Web site: Bleacher. Zakopalova builds on win over Serena. 9 April 2009.
  35. Web site: Associated Press. Serena Williams shocked by Patty Schnyder in the first round of Rome. 6 May 2009.
  36. Web site: WTA. SERENA SUCCUMBS TO INJURY ON DAY 3. 11 May 2009.
  37. Web site: Telegraph. French Open 2009: Serena Williams ends longest losing run with win in Paris. 26 May 2009.
  38. Web site: WTA. SERENA EDGES ZAKOPALOVA AS FIRST ROUND WRAPS UP. 26 May 2009.
  39. Web site: WTA. French Open: Serena Williams crushed Ruano Pascual at Roland Garros. 28 May 2009.
  40. Web site: Telegraph. French Open 2009: Serena Williams accuses Jose Maria Martinez Sanchez of 'cheating'. 31 May 2009.
  41. Web site: Guardian. Williams brushes aside Wozniak to reach the last eight. 1 June 2009.
  42. Web site: ESPN. Williams falls to Kuznetsova in quarters. 3 June 2009.
  43. Web site: WTA. PARIS DOUBLES QF SET. 1 June 2009.
  44. Web site: Telegraph. Wimbledon 2009: Serena Williams reaches second round. 22 June 2009.
  45. Web site: Serena eases pass Groth.
  46. Web site: Guardian. Serena Williams charges through to fourth round at Wimbledon. 26 June 2009.
  47. Web site: WTA. REIGNING CHAMP REACHES QFS. 29 June 2009.
  48. Web site: Venus and Serena Williams, Dinara Safina and Elena Dementieva reach Wimbledon 2009 semi-finals. TheGuardian.com. 30 June 2009.
  49. Web site: Guardian. Serena Williams beats Elena Dementieva in epic Wimbledon semi-final. 2 July 2009.
  50. Web site: Telegraph. Wimbledon 2009: Serena Williams beats sister Venus in women's singles final. 4 July 2009.
  51. Web site: WTA. MOST SEEDS THROUGH TO ROUND 2. 25 June 2009.
  52. Web site: WTA. FLAWLESS FRIDAY FOR FAVORITES. 26 June 2009.
  53. Web site: WTA. TOP 4 SEEDS THROUGH TO QUARTERFINALS. 29 June 2009.
  54. Web site: WTA. TOP SEEDS SURVIVE TO MAKE SEMIS. 1 July 2009.
  55. Web site: WTA. WILLIAMSES, AUSSIES INTO FINAL. 3 July 2009.
  56. Web site: WTA. WILLIAMSES DOUBLE UP. 4 July 2009.
  57. Web site: WTA. DANIELA OUSTS DEFENDING CHAMP. 28 July 2009.
  58. Web site: WTA. QF LINE-UP SET IN STANFORD. 30 July 2009.
  59. Web site: WTA. SERENA FALLS, VENUS WINS IN QFS. 31 July 2009.
  60. Web site: WTA. FAVORITES WIN ON DAY 1. 27 July 2009.
  61. Web site: WTA. SISTERS CONQUER CALIFORNIA. 3 August 2009.
  62. Web site: Sony Ericsson Open. DAY OF UPSETS IN CINCY. 13 August 2009.
  63. Web site: WTA. SIXTEEN REMAIN IN TORONTO. 19 August 2009.
  64. Web site: WTA. JELENA EDGES KIM, REACHES QFS. 20 August 2009.
  65. Web site: WTA. SERENA STORMS INTO FINAL FOUR. 21 August 2009.
  66. Web site: WTA. SHARAPOVA SHINES IN SFS. 22 August 2009.
  67. Web site: Associated Press. The defense begins: Serena defeats Glatch 6-4, 6-1 in US Open opener. 31 August 2009.
  68. Web site: Daily News. Serena Williams topples Melinda Czink, 6-1, 6-1, in 2nd round at U.S. Open. 3 September 2009.
  69. Web site: Telegraph. US Open 2009: no love lost as Serena Williams advances. 4 September 2009.
  70. Web site: Guardian. Serena Williams powers past Daniela Hantuchova in US Open fourth-round. 6 September 2009.
  71. Web site: WTA. SERENA, KIM INTO SEMIS. 8 September 2009.
  72. Web site: Telegraph. US Open 2009: Serena Williams unrepentant for rant after Kim Clijsters defeat. 12 September 2009.
  73. News: Serena Williams Given Hefty Fine but No Suspension for Tirade . The New York Times . November 30, 2009 . November 30, 2009 . Christopher . Clarey.
  74. News: Serena Williams tries to move on from uproar over outburst . September 15, 2009. September 15, 2009 . CNN.
  75. Pucin, Diane. Serena Williams is fined $10,500 for tirade at U.S. Open Los Angeles Times (September 13, 2009)
  76. Web site: WTA. TWO TEAMS INTO SEMIS. 9 September 2009.
  77. Web site: WTA. FINAL FOUR IN PLACE. 9 September 2009.
  78. Web site: WTA. SISTERS EYE TITLE. 10 September 2009.
  79. Web site: WTA. WILLIAMSES WIN DOUBLES. 14 September 2009.
  80. Web site: WTA. NO.1 ON THE LINE. 4 October 2009.
  81. Web site: WTA. SERENA REGAINS NO.1. 6 October 2009.
  82. Web site: WTA. Nadia Petrova edged Serena Williams in a third set tie-break in the round of 16 Thursday.. 8 October 2009.
  83. Web site: WTA. SERENA'S REVENGE. 27 October 2009.
  84. Web site: WTA. SERENA BEATS VENUS IN THRILLER. 28 October 2009.
  85. Web site: WTA. S.WILLIAMS D. DEMENTIEVA. 29 October 2009.
  86. Web site: WTA. SERENA & VENUS: FINAL SHOWDOWN. 31 October 2009.
  87. Web site: WTA. SERENA SEALS NO.1 IN DOHA. 1 November 2009.
  88. Web site: WTA. SPANIARDS OUST WILLIAMS SISTERS. 31 October 2009.