SERENA WILLIAMS NAMED WORLD NO.1 FOR 3RD TIME

Serena Williams has been confirmed as the world number one this year after her memorable 2013 season on the WTA Tour.

The 32-year-old, who became the oldest player to secure top spot in the rankings when she returned to number one in February, has won more than $9 million in prize money so far this year.

Serena took her tally of Grand Slams to 17 by winning the French and US Open titles and also captured seven other tournaments. Her win-loss record on the WTA Tour this year sits at 67-4.

"Serena has proven time and time again throughout her career that she is an incredible champion, both on and off the court," WTA chairperson Stacey Allaster told the WTA website. "This season she continues to rewrite the record books, proving she is one of the sport's greatest athletes of all time."

Williams, who has 55 singles titles and 22 doubles crowns in her career, also secured the prestigious year-end number one ranking in 2002 and 2009.

She joins Justine Henin and Martina Hingis as a three-time year-end number one. Only Steffi Graf (8), Martina Navratilova (7), Chris Evert (5) and Lindsay Davenport (4) have achieved the feat on more occasions.

Williams will be presented with her trophy during the WTA Championships in Turkey in October.