Surprise, surprise, the most dominant athlete to play any sport in 2015 rises to the top of the Sports Illustrated’s list to number one, a familiar place for the greatest tennis player to ever live.

Big statement, but Serena Williams dominates the tennis court like we have never seen before her. Not only is she doing it in the modern era, but she is winning in dominating style.

Williams won 53 of 56 matches this year, a staggering number, but also took home three Grand Slam titles. If that wasn’t dominating enough for you, she has spent the last two years consecutively ranked #1 in the sport.

The little girl from Compton, CA is one singles title away from tying Steffi Graf’s record of 22. Presumably next year, Williams will surpass that number and put some space between her.

There is one thing for sure about Serena Williams, she clearly has an unbelievable work ethic and drive because despite being sick, not mentally into it, having an off day, she continues to deliver, win and dominate on and off the court.

She has to deal with unbelievable amounts of racism in a sport dominated by white people from around the globe and a similar fan base.

Williams has been mocked for her physic, skin color and worse, but they haven’t beaten her down.

She continues to smile and dominate.

Salute to you, Serena, you are the most dominant athlete we’ve seen in a tennis court and we hope you continue to smile and dominate despite the resistance you face.