Serena Williams is AP female athlete of decade
Serena Williams dominated the decade.
There were the dozen Grand Slam single titles — no other woman had more than three over the past 10 seasons — and the 3 ⁄ years in a row at No. 1 in the WTA rankings. And then there was the celebrity status that transcended tennis, making everything she did and said newsworthy. Still winning matches and reaching Grand Slam finals into her late 30s, still mattering as much as ever, Williams was selected by The Associated Press as the female athlete of the decade on Saturday.
More tennis
Andy Murray, who has struggled with injury since the Davis Cup finals six weeks ago, has withdrawn from the ATP Cup, due to start in three cities Friday across Australia, and the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 20 in Melbourne. Minor setbacks to his rehab program and slow recovery from a pelvic problem have dissuaded him from going back on the Tour until February.
Basketball
Zach Randolph announced his retirement, ending a 17-year NBA career. Nicknamed Z-Bo, the big man was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 19th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft out of Michigan State. Randolph, 38, ends his career with 18,578 points and 10,208 rebounds.
Hockey
Russia scored three opening-period goals on the way to stunning Canada, 6-0, at the world junior championship in the Czech Republic. Canada forward Alexis Lafreniere, who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NHL draft, left the ice fter picking up what seemed to be an injury to his left leg in the second period.
Baseball
The Miami Marlins reached an agreement with free agent outfielder Corey Dickerson on a $17.5 million, two-year contract. The 30-year-old Dickerson hit .304 with 12 homers and 59 RBIs last season for the Pirates and Phillies.
Harness racing
Unraced at 2 and unheralded at 3 when he burst on the scene with outstanding performances in Pennsylvania Sires Stakes and the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids, Wild Wild Western is the 2019 horse of the year at The Meadows. He also was named pacer of the year and 3-year-old colt/ gelding pacer of the year.