Serena adds new award to her list of accolades

Serena Williams has added to her incredible list of accolades by claiming a prestigious business award.

The 37-year-old who did not claim a WTA title in her comeback year despite reaching two Grand Slam finals, picked up the Adweek 2018 Brand Visionary prize, largely to acknowledge her work in launching her own fashion line.

In picking up the award, Williams hinted towards her US Open bust-up with the umpire, saying: “I just feel like sometimes, for whatever reason, anything that I do gets amplified, and so I use it for my brand.

Standing ovation for @serenawilliams tonight as she accepts @Adweek’s 2018 Brand Genius award. #BrandGenius pic.twitter.com/hywWCsBMRC

— Marty Swant (@martyswant) November 8, 2018

“I use it to promote messages that are affirmative, like ‘you are strong, brave, proud, great’, and all those things that I feel like I’m in a position to not only express playing tennis but can also be expressed in my fashion line and other products.”

Read ALSO: Serena: It hasn’t been easy being a black tennis player’

“I know what it’s like to be overlooked as a woman — as a black woman.

“But I never let anyone define my potential by my gender or my color.

“Once you set your goals, always aim higher. I have to say hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of success.”