In preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, we're profiling 20 of the top medal contenders.
A revitalized Serena Williams slammed a record 102 aces to win Wimbledon for the fifth time, then partnered older sister Venus to collect their fifth Wimbledon doubles title. Serena will return to tennis’ most famous lawn mining for a gold rush. The Williams sisters have combined to capture nine of the last 12 Wimbledon singles titles, and fresh off her championship sweep, Serena is a favorite to medal in both singles and doubles.
“It's getting closer and closer and I'm getting more excited,” said Serena. “It's been amazing. I played two Olympics, which is pretty awesome, and have two gold medals, which is even better. It's just an experience I never thought I would have.”
The Williams sisters, who recall diver Greg Louganis and track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee as their favorite Olympians, are two-time gold medal doubles champions.
“People live and die in those Olympic moments with you, so for us it's about sharing that moment with our country and the world and each other,” Venus said.
Previous Olympic Singles Results
Beijing, 2008: Lost in Quarterfinals to Elena Dementieva
Previous Olympic Doubles Results
Beijing, 2008: Won in gold-medal match with Venus Williams against Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual
Sydney, 2000: Won in gold-medal match with Venus Williams against Kristie Boogert and Miriam Oremans
More Olympic Profiles:
—Agnieszka Radwanska
—Ana Ivanovic
—Andy Murray
—Andy Roddick
—Angelique Kerber
—Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
—John Isner
—Juan Martin del Potro
—Kei Nishikori
—Kim Clijsters
—Li Na
—Maria Sharapova
—Milos Raonic
—Novak Djokovic
—Petra Kvitova
—Roger Federer
—Serena Williams
—Tomas Berdych
—Venus Williams
—Victoria Azarenka