It was a moment that showed her strength, determination and honour. Williams returned to the Indian Wells tournament in 2015 after boycotting it for 14 years. She went back to Indian Wells despite her past, horrible experience. Although she didn’t win, she proved women can pull crowds faster than men. This happened because people were hoping to see Williams win her 22 nd singles title, to match Steffi Graf’s current record. Williams further proved her argument when the women’s singles final sold out faster than the men’s singles final at the US Open. 'Novak is entitled to his opinion but if he has a daughter - I think he has a son right now - he should talk to her and tell her how his son deserves more money because he is a boy,' she said. When tennis player Novak Djokovic made a comment about men deserving more than women Willaims replied in a press conference. The tennis star has constantly fought for equal pay with a memorable quote making headlines in March this year. She has one of the most powerful serves in the women’s game and has been hailed by many as (arguably) the greatest female player of all time. Since then she has won 38 grand slam titles and 21 grand slam singles titles - one behind the current record. The 34-year-old won her first grand slam title in 1999 when she beat her older sister, Venus Williams, at the US Open.

She’s been at the top of her sport for nearly two decades. While she's very deserving of the highest paid status, let's take a look at the woman behind the cash cheque. Serena Williams talented tennis player, grand slam winner, younger sister to tennis star Venus Williams and an advocate standing up for equality and sportswomen the world over. The American tennis player earned $28.9 million (USD) over the last 12 months according to Forbes (she's still paid about $50 million (USD) less than the highest paid male athlete). Serena Williams is now the highest paid female athlete in the world.

Venus williams mic drop