Serena Williams

Serena Williams collapsed onto the grass at Wimbledon as if exhausted after winning her seventh title there and her 22nd Grand Slam singles crown on July 9; she’s now tied with Steffi Graf for the most major victories in the Open era. But don’t be fooled: Serena’s not tiring out. Turns out that a decade ago, when critics chirped that Williams acted indifferent toward tennis, she was just resting up for a remarkable run in her 30s, when many players take up golf. Heck, she returned to the court a few hours after the final to win the Wimbledon doubles with sister Venus. Next up: September’s U.S. Open, with the chance to pass Graf’s mark.

–SEAN GREGORY