Serena Williams has been awarded Spain’s Princess of Asturias Prize for Sports, organizers announced on Wednesday, in recognition of her remarkable tennis career. The 43-year-old American has won 73 career singles titles, including 23 Grand Slam titles. In 2022, she announced her decision to step away from tennis to focus on her family and business ventures. Serena revolutionized the perception of women in sports, challenged racial barriers, and inspired millions with her resilience, strength, and authenticity. The Princess of Asturias Award, worth 50,000 euros ($57,000), is one of eight annual prizes that honor achievements in various fields, including arts, literature, and science. The awards ceremony, presided over by Spain’s Princess Leonor, takes place each fall in the northern city of Oviedo. Previous recipients of the sports prize include skier Lindsey Vonn, the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, and the New Zealand rugby team. Throughout her career, Serena amassed 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era, and just one shy of Margaret Court’s all-time record. Her victories spanned nearly two decades, with wins at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Additionally, Serena captured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Venus, forming one of the most dominant pairs in tennis history. Beyond Grand Slams, Serena won four Olympic gold medals—three in doubles and one in singles—cementing her status as a complete and formidable competitor. She held the World No. 1 ranking for 319 weeks, including a stretch of 186 consecutive weeks, tying Steffi Graf’s record. Her longevity, winning major titles well into her 30s, and her ability to return to elite form after injuries and even pregnancy distinguished her in the annals of sport. Serena retired from professional tennis in September 2022 after an emotional farewell at the US Open.