Serena Williams: AP Athlete of the Year

Despite having a year defined by controversy, the AP has named tennis all-star Serena Williams as their female athlete of the year for 2009.

Serena made the most headlines this year for her controversial tirade aimed at a line judge, which cost her a key match and brought a hefty fine and lots of criticism of her behavior. But she also spent lots more time showing why she is one of the greatest tennis players ever, winning many key tournaments.

Just to make sure I'm reading this correctly though: Serena came in first, and second place for top feale athlete went to......a horse? Not sure what to make of that.

Serena Williams AP Athlete of the Year herald tribune

Playing her best at the most important events, Serena Williams re-established herself as the top player in women's tennis in 2009 and was a landslide choice as Female Athlete of the Year by members of The Associated Press... Clearly, Williams' most infamous on-court episode -- a tirade directed at a line judge after a foot-fault call near the end of her U.S. Open semifinal loss in September -- didn't hurt her standing in the eyes of the voters...

Serena Williams AP Athlete of the Year