Serena Williams wins AP Female Athlete of Year for 4th time

Serena Williams is The Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year for the fourth time.

Williams nearly became the first tennis player in more than a quarter-century to complete the Grand Slam, winning the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon, before losing in the U.S. Open semifinals.

In a vote by U.S. editors and news directors, Williams collected 50 first-place votes and 352 points. Carli Lloyd, whose hat trick in the final lifted the U.S. women's soccer team to the World Cup title, was next with 14 first-place votes and 243 points. UFC star Ronda Rousey finished third, one spot ahead of the woman she lost to last month, Holly Holm.

Williams' selection was announced Friday. She also won the 2002, 2009 and 2013 AP awards.

The AP Male Athlete of the Year will be announced Saturday.