* After Brisbane International, January 2013
(CNN) -- Nine women, a bold proposal and a $1 bill. That was what it took for women's tennis to begin a 40-year journey of self-empowerment that has created a generation of sporting millionaires.
Back in 1971, the total prize money on offer for the first women's tour was $309,000 spread over 19 tournaments.
In 2012, including the purse from the four grand slams, it cracked $100 million for the first time -- this year it is projected to hit $107 million.
"I forecast to the athletes in my first player meeting that we would get to $100 million in 2014. To be able to reach that milestone two years ahead of that is testament to the commercial success of women's tennis," says Stacey Allaster, who has been chief executive of the WTA since 2009.
When Serena Williams, the modern queen of the WTA Tour, won the U.S. Open last September her $2 million prize haul matched the entire career earnings of Billie Jean King -- one of the pioneering nine and a dedicated fighter in the cause of women's equality.
"I think they're truly proud of how far women's tennis has come from the $1 contract to the $100 million generation," Allaster told CNN.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning the men's singles final match against Andy Murray of Great Britain at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Sunday, January 27. Djokovic won 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 6-3, 6-2.
Photos: Australian Open
Maria Sharapova hits a return during an exhibition match in the lead-up to the Australian Open. Last year's runnerup decided to play against junior boys after having to pull out of the Brisbane tournament earlier in January.
Stars warm up for Australian Open
Our gallery on the world's fittest men got such a huge response, we decided it was only fair to do one on the world's fittest women. By putting their workouts and nutrition first, women such as Olympic gymnast Gabrielle Douglas have become role models for a healthy lifestyle. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know at Facebook.com/CNNHealth or on Twitter @CNNHealth.
The world's fittest women
"Meeting the original nine and spending time with them this past April in Charleston was inspirational.
"To hear their stories and what they had to go through to stand up to the establishment and take the risk for something they believed in was amazing."
Read: How tennis aced austerity
King was one of the players frustrated by a lack of parity with the men's game in her era, when women struggled to find enough tournaments to play in -- let alone be paid on equal terms.
Defying the U.S. Tennis Association, she set up a rebel tour with the help of publisher Gladys Heldman, who proffered the symbolic $1 contracts for the players.
It was a schism that led to the formation of the establishment-approved Women's Tennis Association in 1973 -- which will be marked this year by the WTA's "40 Love" commemorative campaign, a celebration of four decades of progress in the women's game.
It was the start of a circuit that now covers the globe. This year's schedule began with simultaneous events in China, Australia and New Zealand, and will climax with the season-ending championships in Turkey in late October.
The 2012 Istanbul showpiece attracted the event's biggest crowds for 12 years, in a country not known for its tennis heritage, while China will host a fifth WTA tournament from 2014.
Read: Tennis mum Clijsters says final farewell
"We are obviously seeing extensive growth in our Asia-Pacific territory and in China. We are looking at how we take the next quantum leap," said Allaster.
"We are making sure that at the end of the day we have a circuit structure that can consistently deliver to our top events, because that's how we're going to drive the business, to deliver to sponsors and broadcasters."
And it is becoming a very big business.
King was the first woman to earn six figures in a season, back in 1971. Last year world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka and Williams both became the first to break the $7 million barrier.
Kim Clijsters with daughter Jada and the 2010 U.S. Open trophy after beating Vera Zvonareva in the final.
Kim Clijsters' glittering career
Serena Williams ended a dominant second half of 2012 by winning the season-ending WTA Championships in Istanbul. It marked the end of a dramatic change in fortunes for the 31-year-old.
French farce to golden glory
Sloane Stephens has had a great year on the WTA Tour, reaching two semifinals and making the fourth round of the French Open. Her success is built around an aggressive game which has led to comparisons with Serena Williams.
Sloane Stephens: Tennis' rising star
In the men's game, only Novak Djokovic ($12.8 million) and Roger Federer ($8.6 million) earned more on court.
Read: Sharapova's sweet plan for success
The brand of women's tennis has been driven by the WTA's "Strong is Beautiful" campaign, which depicts the players both as athletes and style icons -- along with celebrity endorsers such as singers Aretha Franklin and Kelly Rowland, actress Susan Sarandon and businessmen Donald Trump and Richard Branson (see pictures in the gallery above, courtesy the WTA Tour).
"We're marketing the players as the world's strongest female athletes," Allaster said. "We do have this duality of the off-court lifestyle and entertainment part of it, premium and glamorous. Strong confident women who have endured intense battles to be at the top of their game and be the best in the world."
While other women's sports, such as golf, have struggled to maintain lucrative sponsorships, tennis is bucking the trend.
"It is very important to stress that women, both in terms of prize money and in terms of commercial incomes in tennis and other sports, are the poor relations compared to men," says sports business expert Simon Chadwick.
"The women who earn significant revenue often fit a specific sociocultural stereotype."
Read: Sharapova's grand slam designs
Chadwick, professor of sport business strategy and marketing at Britain's Coventry University Business School, cites the examples of Maria Sharapova and Anna Kournikova -- Russians who capitalized on both their good looks and playing skills to become two of the most wealthy and high-profile women's players.
Chadwick says that while the gap between men's and women's pay is closing in tennis, the sport is also becoming more global -- which increases its value for sponsors and commercial partners.
"Further, I think female tennis player brands embody a particular set of qualities, such as strength, power, beauty, success, that some brands find appealing because it enables them to target specific consumer groups, thus strengthening perceptions of their brands -- for which corporations are prepared to pay," he told CNN.
Venus Williams' fashion highs and lows
Serena Williams displays her "super crazy" hairstyle before her Cincinnati opener against Elena Daniilidou.
Serena Williams battles 'crazy hair'
Maria Sharapova has come a long way since turning professional on her 14th birthday in April 2001, having played the game since she was four years old.
Maria Sharapova's French Open dream
"The fact that some of the recently successful players, such as Li Na, are from growing or strong economies, has been helpful in drawing in new revenue streams to the sport from sponsors and commercial partners that previously may not have had an involvement in tennis."
Read: Venus Williams' style revival
While Sharapova and the Williams sisters have their own off-court business empires, the WTA actively helps players establish their own brands.
"One of our competitive advantages is that we have so many compelling individual stories," Allaster said.
"Our team is there to help develop their brand plans. Some of them have agents who do that, others don't -- that's where the campaign helps. What's most important is that they be themselves."
The WTA Tour has not always been in such a healthy situation.
When Allaster joined in 2006, having made her name at Tennis Canada as a reviver of struggling tournaments, she faced a situation where players were complaining of burnout.
"We needed radical change. The bottom line was at the top tournaments players weren't consistently showing up, and that was impacting our credibility -- media were talking about it, sponsors were questioning 'are they really going to show?' " she said.
As part of its "Roadmap reform," the WTA cut the number of top-level events players had to enter from 26 to 20. It's now 22, and prize money is up 51%.
"We had grown and grown and grown, there was no shortage of people wanting to do WTA tournaments -- if anyone raised a hand, we said come on. But there's only so many top-10 players," Allaster said.
"The intensity of their play through that period just escalated and their bodies were breaking down. We knew we had a commitment system that couldn't work."
Read: How Serena turned French farce into golden glory
In the 1990s the women's game was invaded by girls in their early teens, such as Martina Hingis and Kournikova, whose stars burned brightly but comparatively briefly.
Li Na's French Open win made her one of the richest sportswomen in the world -- second only to tennis rival Maria Sharapova, right.
Li reaps riches of French Open win
How do you beat Serena Williams?
Tennis stars face quickfire challenge
More recently top players such as Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin retired twice each before they were 30. Both battled with injuries at the end of their careers.
In view of these issues, the WTA's emphasis is now on prolonging the careers of marquee players such as the Williams sisters.
Both have been selective about their playing schedule as they have battled back from injuries and serious illnesses, though Serena has not opted out of the tournament commitment system -- which, under WTA rules, she could do as a top-10 player over the age of 30.
"We've been able to take the average career length from 12 years to now 15 years. I'd rather have 15 years of a superstar than a couple of great years then injured," Allaster said.
"Both Serena and Venus are a gift to women's tennis. Venus is thinking long term and I know Serena is, along with others."
The WTA's pressing business goal is to find a replacement for main sponsor Sony, which concluded an eight-year partnership at the end of 2012.
"We'll get through that. I'd like to have it for 2013 but usually a sales cycle for a global multimillion-dollar sponsorship is 18-24 months, and we are 10 months into this," Allaster said.
And if there is ever any hint of complacency about continuing the WTA's success, Allaster will remind the players of the words of that pioneering nine.
"They're proud of women's tennis and proud of our success. A couple of them looked at me poignantly and said 'Don't let them catch us.' We didn't work this hard for women's tennis not to be No. 1."
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Djokovic holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup on January 27.
Djokovic hits a return against Murray on January 27.
Djokovic plays a backhand on January 27.
Murray plays a backhand against Djokovic on January 27.
Djokovic serves to Murray at Melbourne Park on January 27.
Murray reacts to a point on January 27.
Murray wipes his face during his men's final match against Djokovic on January 27.
Murray receives medical attention to his foot on January 27.
Crowds cheer during the men's singles final match on January 27.
Djokovic plays a forehand on January 27.
Djokovic plays a smash forehand on January 27.
Murray plays a backhand on January 27.
Murray plays a backhand against Djokovic on January 27.
Four-time Australian Open men's singles champion Andre Agassi carries the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup before the men's final match on January 27.
Murray plays a forehand on January 27.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus poses with the winner's trophy after defending her Australian Open title on Saturday, January 26. Azarenka defeated Na Li of China 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates winning her women's final match.
Li Na plays a forehand in her women's final match against Belarus Azarenka.
Belarus Azarenka hits a return during the women's final, which she won 4-6 6-4 6-3.
Li Na falls for the second time during her women's final match.
Benlarus Azarenka reaches for a forehand during Saturday's final.
Li Na rips a forehand Saturday. Li was also a finalist in the 2011 Australian Open.
Belarus Azarenka, who retained her world No. 1 ranking, serves in Saturday's final.
Mike Bryan, left, and his brother, Bob Bryan, of the U.S. celebrate after their victory over the Netherlands' Robin Haase and Igor Sibling during the men's doubles final January 26.
Robin Haase plays a forehand in Saturday's doubles match against the Bryan brothers.
Bob Bryan reaches for an overhead in the men's doubles final.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia serves in his junior boys' final match against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia on January 26. Kyrgios captured the boys singles title in straight sets.
Stephane Houdet of France plays a forehand in his men's wheelchair singles final match on January 26 against Shingo Kunieda of Japan. Kunieda won 6-2 6-0.
Sabine Ellerbrock of Germany plays a backhand in her wheelchair singles final against Aniek Van Koot of the Netherlands on January 26. Van Koot took the title with a 6-1 1-6 7-5 victory.
Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic plays a forehand in her junior girls' final match against Ana Konjuh of Croatia on Saturday. Konjuh won the championship 6-4 6-4.
Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand in his semifinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on January 25. Murray defeated Federer 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 6-2.
Ashley Barty of Australia, right, watches as compatriot Casey Dellacqua plays a return during their women's doubles final against Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy on day 12 of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Friday, January 25. The Italian pair beat Barty and Dellacqua 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
Na Li of China pauses during a news conference on January 25.
Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy celebrate winning their final doubles match against Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua of Australia on January 25.
A supporter of Britain's Andy Murray watches during his men's singles semifinal match against Switzerland's Roger Federer on January 25.
Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a backhand on January 25.
Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand on January 25.
Italy's Roberta Vinci, left, and Sara Errani pose with the winner's trophy after their victory over Australia's Ashleigh Barty and Casey Dellacqua on January 25.
Andy Murray of Great Britain takes a breather in his semifinal match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on January 25.
Andy Murray of Great Britain and Roger Federer of Switzerland play their semifinal match in Rod Laver Arena on January 25.
Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a semifinal match against Andy Murray of Great Britain on January 25.
Roger Federer hits a return on January 25.
Andy Murray of Great Britain plays a forehand on January 25.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning his semifinal match against David Ferrer of Spain during the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday, January 24. Djokovic won 6-2, 6-2, 6-1.
Djokovic signs autographs for fans on January 24.
Sloane Stephens of the U.S. reacts during her women's singles semifinal match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on January 24. Azarenka won 6-1, 6-4.
Na Li of China plays a forehand in her semifinal match against Maria Sharapova of Russia on January 24. Li won 6-2, 6-2.
A tennis fan sits in the stands during Day 11 of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 24.
Li plays a forehand on January 24.
Sharapova plays a return against Li on January 24.
Ferrer plays a backhand on January 24.
Stephens plays a return against Azarenka on January 24.
Djokovic reacts after a point against Ferrer on January 24.
Fans watch the men's semifinal match between Ferrer and Djokovic on January 24.
Azarenka plays a forehand against Stephens on January 24.
Brothers Bob, left, and Mike Bryan battle Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini of Italy in a doubles semifinal match on January 24. The brothers won 6-4, 4-6, 6-1.
Stephens plays a return on January 24.
Ferrer plays a backhand against Djokovic on January 24.
Djokovic plays a backhand against Ferrer on January 24.
Stephens pauses during her match against Azarenka on January 24.
Sloane Stephens of the U.S. celebrates after beating compatriot Serena Williams, who was favored to win the tournament, during their women's singles match on Day 10 of the 2013 Australian Open in Melbourne on Wednesday, January 23. Stephens won 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.
Stephens plays a backhand in her quarterfinal match against Williams on January 23.
Williams stares down the ball during her match on January 23 against Stephens.
Williams broke her racket while playing Stephens on January 23.
Williams stretches across the court on January 23.
Italy's Sara Errani plays a backhand in her women's doubles quarterfinal match with compatriot Roberta Vinci against Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina of Russia on January 23. Errani and Vinci won 6-2, 6-4.
France's Jeremy Chardy hits a return against Britain's Andy Murray during their men's singles match on January 23. Murray defeated Chardy 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.
Murray celebrates beating Chardy on January 23.
France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga scoops up a return to Switzerland's Roger Federer during their men's singles match on January 23. Federer defeated Tsonga 7-6 (4), 4-6, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-3.
Federer plays a backhand to Tsonga on January 23.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus hits a return against Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova on January 23. Azarenka defeated Kuznetsova 7-5, 6-1.
Kuznetsova serves during her match against Azarenka on January 23.
Azarenka receives a towel during her match on January 23.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia stretches for the ball in his quarterfinal match against Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic on Tuesday, January 22. Djokovic won 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Fans watch Djokovic and Berdych play on January 22.
Berdych plays a backhand in his match against Djokovic on January 22.
Spain's David Ferrer watches the ball during his men's singles match against compatriot Nicolas Almagro on January 22. Ferrer defeated Almagro 4-6, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4), 6-2.
Almagro reaches to smash the ball while playing Ferrer on January 22.
Na Li of China hits a return against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland in their quarterfinal match on January 22. Li won 7-5, 6-3.
Radwanska stretches for a forehand while playing Li on January 22.
Li serves in her match against Radwanska on January 22.
Russian Maria Sharapova plays a forehand in her quarterfinal match against fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova on January 22. Sharapova won 6-2, 6-2.
Makarova goes airborne in her match against Sharapova on January 22.
American Serena Williams hits a return against Russia's Maria Kirilenko during their women's singles match on Day Eight on Monday, January 21. Williams won 6-2, 6-0.
Kirilenko plays a backhand against Williams on January 21.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France celebrates winning his fourth-round match against fellow French player Richard Gasquet on January 21. The final score was 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2.
American Sloane Stephens makes a return against Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia on January 21. Stephens defeated Jovanovski 6-1, 3-6, 7-5.
Bojana Jovanovski serves to Sloane Stephens on January 21.
Roger Federer of Switzerland serves in his fourth-round match against Canadian Milos Raonic on January 21. Federer won 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-2.
Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia hits a backhand in her fourth-round match against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark on January 21. Kuznetsova defeated Wozniacki 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.
A ball kid displays Australian Open tennis balls during a match on January 21 at Melbourne Park.
Jeremy Chardy of France serves in his fourth-round match against Italy's Andreas Seppi on January 21. Chardy defeated Seppi 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Andreas Seppi plays a backhand against Jeremy Chardy on January 21.
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark returns a backhand in her fourth-round match against Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia on January 21. Kuznetsova won 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.
Caroline Wozniacki hits a return against Svetlana Kuznetsova on January 21.
Caroline Wozniacki serves in her January 21 match against Svetlana Kuznetsova.
Svetlana Kuznetsova shows off a tattoo on January 21.
Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland plays a return during his men's singles match against Serbian Novak Djokovic on Sunday, January 20, Day Seven of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia. Wawrinka lost 1-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 12-10.
Djokovic celebrates his narrow victory January 20 against Wawrinka.
Spain's David Ferrer hits a return against Japan's Kei Nishikori during their men's singles match on January 20. Ferrer won 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.
Nishikori reacts during his match against Ferrer on January 20 as a ballgirl watches.
Ferrer plays a forehand against Nishikori on January 20.
Venus and Serena Williams of the U.S. are congratulated by Russian Nadia Petrova and Slovenian Katarina Srebotnik after winning their third-round doubles match on January 20.
Maria Sharapova of Russia serves in her fourth-round match against Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium on January 20. Sharapova defeated Flipkens 6-1, 6-0.
Sharapova serves in her fourth-round match against Flipkens.
German Julia Goerges, left, congratulates Na Li of China on winning their fourth-round match 7-6 (6), 6-1 on January 20.
Mike Bryan of the U.S. plays a forehand in his third-round doubles match with his twin, Bob Bryan, against Jeremy Chardy of France and Lukasz Kubot of Poland on January 20. The Bryans won 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-3.
Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic looks at his wrapped foot during a break in his men's singles match against Spain's Nicolas Almagro on January 20. Almagro moved on to the next round after Tipsarevic pulled out of the match in the second set because of his injury.
Kevin Anderson of South Africa prepares to serve in his fourth-round match against Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic on January 20. Berdych won 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (13).
Huge crowds gather at Federation Square to watch Bernard Tomic of Australia play Roger Federer of Switzerland on Saturday, January 19. Federer won 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-1.
Gael Monfils of France twists around to return the ball in his third-round match against compatriot Gilles Simon on Saturday, January 19. Simon defeated Monfils 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 1-6, 8-6.
Britain's Andy Murray plays a forehand in his third-round match against Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania on January 19.
Maria Kirilenko of Russia celebrates match point in her third round match against Yanina Wickmayer of Belarus on January 19.
Andy Murray serves in his match against Berankis.
Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina rests in between points in his third-round match against Jeremy Chardy of France.
Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany serves in his third round match against Milos Raonic of Canada.
Maria Kirilenko of Russia serves in her third-round match against Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium on January 19.
Laura Robson of Britain plays a forehand in her third-round match against Sloane Stephens of the United States on January 19.
Serena Williams of the United States reacts in her third-round match against Ayumi Morita of Japan on January 19.
Maria Kirilenko of Russia plays a forehand in her third-round match against Yanina Wickmayer of Belarus.
Mansour Bahrami of Iran warms up for a doubles match on January 19. He and Wayne Ferreira of South Africa faced Australians Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge.
Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina serves in his third round match against Jeremy Chardy of France.
A ball kid throws a tennis ball in the third round match between Jeremy Chardy of France and Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus plays a forehand in her third-round match against Jamie Hampton of the United States.
Ayumi Morita of Japan serves in her third round match against Serena Williams of the United States, on January 19. Williams won the match 6-1, 6-3.
Serena Williams of the United States plays a backhand in her third round match against Ayumi Morita of Japan, on January 19.
Bojana Jovanovski of Serbia signs autographs for fans after winning her third round match against Kimiko Date-Krumm of Japan, on January 19. The final match score was 6-2, 7-6, tie-breaker 7-3.
The racquets of Bob Bryan of the United States and Mike Bryan of the United States cross as they compete in their men's second round doubles match against Flavio Cipolla of Italy and Andreas Seppi of Italy on Friday, January 18. The Bryan brothers won 6-3, 6-4.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves against Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic during their men's singles match on Day Five of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, January 18. Djokovic won 6-4, 6-3, 7-5.
Djokovic plays a forehand in his third-round match against Stepanek on January 18.
Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic plays a backhand in his third round match against Jurgen Melzer of Austria on January 18. Berdych won 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Clouds loom over the stadium in Melbourne Park as Berdych and Melzer compete in their third-round match on January 18.
Stepanek reacts after a shot on January 18.
Ana Ivanovic of Serbia serves in her third-round match against Jelena Jankovic of Serbia on January 18. Ivanovic won 7-5, 6-3.
Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts after beating Venus Williams of the U.S. during their women's singles match on January 18. Sharapova won 6-1, 6-3.
Sorana Cirstea of Romania plays a forehand in her third-round match against Na Li of China on January 18. Li won 6-4, 6-1.
Alex Bolt of Australia plays a backhand in his third-round doubles match with Greg Jones of Australia against Daniele Bracciali of Italy and Lukas Dlouhy of Czech Republic on January 18. Bracciali and Dlouhy won 6-2, 7-6 (4).
Sharapova serves against Williams during their women's singles match on January 18.
Fernando Verdasco of Spain plays a forehand in his third-round match against Kevin Anderson of South Africa on January 18. Anderson won 4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2.
Stepanek hits a return against Djokovic during their men's singles match on January 18.
Anderson serves in his third-round match against Verdasco on January 18.
Anderson plays a forehand in his third-round match against Verdasco on January 18.
Williams plays a backhand in her third-round match against Sharapova on January 18.
Berdych plays a return during his men's singles match against Melzer on January 18.
Williams hits a return against Sharapova on January 18.
Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus hits a return against David Ferrer of Spain during their men's singles match on January 18. Ferrer won, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
Baghdatis plays a backhand during his third-round match against Ferrer on January 18.
Jankovic plays a backhand in her third round match against Ivanovic on January 18.
Sorana Cirstea of Romania plays a backhand in her third-round match against Na Li of China on January 18.
Na serves against Cirstea on January 18.
Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland plays a forehand in her third-round match against Heather Watson of Great Britain on January 18. Radwanska won 6-3, 6-1.
Watson serves in her third-round match against Radwanska on Januray 18.
Spectators gather ahead of the start of play on the fifth day of the Australian Open on January 18.
Germany's Angelique Kerber hits a return against Madison Keys of the United States during their women's singles match on January 18. Kerber won 6-2, 7-5.
Keys plays a forehand in her third-round match against Kerber on January 18.
Ball kids dry the court during a rain delay on January 18.
China's Zheng Jie plays a return during her women's singles match against Germany's Julia Goerges on January 18. Goerges won 6-3, 1-6, 7-5.
Goerges plays a return during her women's singles match against Zheng on January 18.
Serena Williams of the U.S. holds her mouth after hitting herself with her racket during her women's singles match against Garbine Muguruza Blanco of Spain during Day Four of the 2013 Australian Open on Thursday, January 17, in Melbourne, Australia. Williams won 6-2, 6-0.
Williams plays a return during her women's singles match against Muguruza Blanco on January 17.
Maria Kirilenko of Russia stretches for a forehand in her second-round match against Shuai Peng of China on January 17. Kirilenko won 7-5, 6-2.
Bernard Tomic of Australia plays a forehand in his second-round match against Daniel Brands of Germany during Day Four of the 2013 Australian Open on January 17. Tomic narrowly defeated Brands 6-7 (4), 7-5, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (8).
Tomic twists around to get a return during his men's singles match against Brands on January 17.
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, left, shakes hands with Croatian Donna Vekic on January 17 after defeating her 6-1, 6-4.
Spectators cheer for Croatia's Marin Cilic during his men's singles match against Rajeev Ram of the U.S. on January 17. Cilic won 7-5, 6-2, 6-4.
Andy Murray of Britain plays a backhand in his second-round match against Joao Sousa of Portugal on January 17. Murray defeated Sousa 6-2, 6-2, 6-4.
A young spectator cools off by standing in front of a water vapor machine. Temperatures reached 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus serves in her second-round match against Eleni Daniilidou of Greece on January 17. Azarenka defeated Daniilidou 6-1, 6-0.
Spectators cheer for France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga during his men's singles match against Japan's Go Soeda on January 17. Tsonga defeated Soeda 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-3.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand in his second round match against Ryan Harrison of USA during on Wednesday, January 16. Djokovic defeated Harrison 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.
Harrison plays a return during his men's singles match against Djokovic on January 16.
Djokovic gestures to the crowd as he celebrates victory over Harrison on January 16.
Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic hits a return against Slovakia's Lukas Lacko during their men's singles match on January 16. Tipsarevic won in five sets, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-5.
A ball girl catches the ball on an outside court late in the day on January 16.
Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania, left, plays a forehand in her second round match against Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland on January 16. Radwanska won 6-3 6-3.
Brian Baker of the United States covers his head after injuring his knee in his second round match against compatriot Sam Querrey on January 16. After winning the first set in a tie breaker, Baker dropped out of the match two games into the second set.
Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus serves in his second round match against Tatsuma Ito of Japan on January 16. Baghdatis won 3-6 6-3 6-2 6-2.
Tim Smyczek of the United States plays a return during his men's singles match against Spain's David Ferrer on January 16. Ferrer defeated Smyczek 6-0 7-5 4-6 6-3.
Serbian Ana Ivanovic serves in her second round match against Yung-Jan Chan of Taipei on January 16. Ivanovic won 7-5 1-6 6-4.
Roger Federer of Switzerland plays a backhand in his first-round match against Benoit Paire of France during Day 2 of the 2013 Australian Open in Melbourne on Tuesday, January 15. Federer defeated Paire 6-2, 6-4, 6-1.
Germany's Sabine Lisicki plays a return during her women's singles match against Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki on January 15. Wozniacki defeated Lisicki 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.
The courts at Melbourne Park are lit for night play during day two of the tournament on January 15.
France's Gael Monfils reaches for a return during his men's singles match against Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov on January 15. Monfils defeated Dolgopolov 6-7(7), 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-3.
Monfils, right, plays a return to Dolgopolov during their singles match on January 15.
Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium celebrates winning a point in her first-round match against Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia on January 15. Wickmayer defeated Gajdosova 6-1, 7-5.
Gajdosova of Australia struggles to get up after a play during her first-round match against Wickmayer of Belgium on January 15.
France's Richard Gasquet plays a return during his men's singles match against Albert Montanes of Spain on January 15. Gasquet defeated Montanes 7-5, 6-2, 6-1.
Bernard Tomic of Australia plays a backhand in his first-round match against Leonardo Mayer of Argentina on January 15. Tomic defeated Mayer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.
Thailand's Luksika Kumkhum reacts after a point against Hungary's Timea Babos during their women's singles first-round match on January 15. Kumkhum defeated Babos 7-6(5), 6-4.
Andy Murray of Great Britain serves in his first-round match against Robin Haase of the Netherlands on January 15. Murray defeated Haase 6-3, 6-1, 6-3.
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark plays a backhand in her first-round match against Sara Errani of Italy on January 15. Wozniacki defeated Lisicki 2-6, 6-3, 6-3.
John-Patrick Smith of Australia plays a forehand on January 15 during his first-round match against Joao Sousa of Portugal. Sousa defeated Smith 6-4, 6-1, 6-4.
A juggler entertains the crowd as they wait to enter the grounds at Melbourne Park for Day 2 of the Australian Open.
A fan gets ready for the Australian Open on January 15.
Serena Williams of the United States falls to the court during her first-round match against Romania's Edina Gallovits-Hall on January 15.
Serena Williams of the United States is helped off the court on January 15 after injuring her ankle. Williams defeated Gallovits-Hall 6-0, 6-0.
Victoria Azarenka of Belarus plays a forehand in her first-round match against Monica Niculescu of Romania on January 15. Azarenka defeated Niculescu 6-1, 6-4.
Great Britain's Andy Murray plays a forehand against Robin Haase of the Netherlands on Day 2 of the Australian Open. Murray defeated Haase 6-3, 6-1, 6-3. Murray won 6-3 6-1 6-3.
Participants work up a sweat during a pre-match cardio workout on January 15.
Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia plays a backhand in her first-round match against Ashleigh Barty of Australia during the 2013 Australian Open on Monday, January 14. Cibulkova won 3-6 6-0 6-1.
Lleyton Hewitt of Australia plays a backhand in his first-round match against Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia on January 14. Hewitt lost 7-6(4) 7-5 6-3.
The crowd watches the January 14 match between Australia's Lleyton Hewitt and Serbia's Janko Tipsarevic.
Australia's Casey Dellacqua serves against Madison Keys of the United States during their first-round match on January 14. Keys defeated Dellacqua 6-4 7-6(0).
A saturated spectator watches the action on Day 1 of the Australian Open.
Spain's David Ferrer falls to the ground after playing a shot in his first-round match against Belgium's Olivier Rochus on January 14. Ferrer won 6-3 6-4 6-2.
Samantha Stosur of Australia plays a forehand in her first-round match against Kai-Chen Chang of Taiwan on January 14. Stosur won 7-6(3) 6-3.
David Goffin of Belgium plays a forehand in his first-round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain on January 14. Verdasco defeated Goffin 6-3 3-6 4-6 6-3 6-4.
Serbia's Ana Ivanovic plays a forehand during her first-round match on January 14 against Hungary's Melinda Czink. Ivanovic won 6-2 6-1.
Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia celebrates winning a point in his first-round match against Lleyton Hewitt of Australia on January 14. Tipsarevic won 7-6(4) 7-5 6-3.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic signs autographs for supporters on January 14 after a victory against France's Paul-Henri Mathieu.
Cyprus's Marcos Baghdatis hits a return against Spain's Albert Ramos on January 14. Baghdatis won 6-7(0) 7-6(4) 6-4 3-6 6-3.
Casey Dellacqua of Australia serves in her January 14 match against Madison Keys of the United States. Keys won 6-4 7-6(0).
Venus Williams of the United States serves against Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan on January 14. Williams won 6-1 6-0.
Maria Sharapova of Russia plays a forehand in her first-round match against Olga Puchkova of Russia on January 14. Sharapova won 6-0 6-0 in less than an hour.
Australia's Samantha Stosur plays a return to Taiwan's Kai-Chen Chang during their women's singles match on January 14. Stosur won 7-6(3) 6-3.
Australian tennis fans enjoy the atmosphere during the women's first-round match on January 14 between Sesil Karatantcheva of Poland and Na Li of China. Li won 6-1 6-3.
Germany's Cedrik-Marcel Stebe plays a return to Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka during their men's singles match on January 14. Wawrinka defeated Stebe 6-2 6-4 6-3.
Russia's Maria Sharapova plays a backhand in her first-round match against Russia's Olga Puchkova on the first day of the Australian Open.
Japan's Kei Nishikori gestures after playing a stroke to Romania's Victor Hanescu during their men's singles match on January 14. Kei won 6-7(5) 6-3 6-1 6-3.
Pablo Andujar of Spain prepares to serve in his first-round match on January 14 against Xavier Malisse of Belgium. Malisse defeated Andujar 6-3 6-1 6-2.
Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka plays a return to Germany's Cedrik-Marcel Stebe on January 14 during their men's singles match. Wawrinka won 6-2 6-4 6-3.
Samantha Stosur of Australia plays a forehand in her first-round match against Kai-Chen Chang of Taiwan on January 14.
Russia's world No. 2 blows a kiss during the launch of her new candy brand "Sugarpova" in Melbourne on January 11.
Brisbane title winner Serena Williams (L) watches a volley by Ana Ivanovic of Serbia (R) as they take part in a Kids Day exhibition match in Melbourne on January 12.
Australian Open champion and world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus was also practicing ahead of the season's opening grand slam.
Bernard Tomic celebrates winning his first ATP Tour title, beating South Africa's Kevin Anderson in the final of the Sydney International on January 12.
Tomic's fellow Australian Lleyton Hewitt also went into his home grand slam in winning form after beating world No. 7 Juan Martin del Potro to claim the Kooyong Classic title in Melbourne.
Annie Thorisdottir recently earned the title of the world's fittest woman by taking first place at the 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games. The competition includes everything from weightlifting to jumping rope. "I think my strengths are that I can usually just keep on going," the Icelandic athlete told CrossFit. "I don't really need to stop and rest."
Dara Torres is an inspiration to thousands of women who are struggling to get, or stay, in shape as they age. The 45-year-old swimmer brought home three silver medals from her fifth Olympic Games in Beijing and barely missed qualifying for London 2012. If her biceps aren't enough inspiration, check out her two books: "Gold Medal Fitness" and "Age is Just a Number."
It's hard to ignore the muscles sported by the U.S. women's Olympic gymnastics team. All-around gold medalists, from left, Jordyn Wieber, Kyla Ross, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman and Gabrielle Douglas show it takes dedication and strength to fly high.
Jessica Ennis beat her closest opponent in the 2012 Olympic heptathlon event by more than 300 points. Ennis earned her gold medal by participating in the 100-meter hurdles, the high jump, the shot put, the 200-meter race, the long jump, the javelin throw and the 800-meter race.
As Sports Illustrated writer Phil Taylor says, "With all due respect to the other teams who compete in beach volleyball ... there is the duo of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings, and there is everybody else." May-Treanor, left, and Walsh Jennings went into retirement after the 2008 Beijing Olympics. During their time off, May-Treanor tore her Achilles tendon while rehearsing for "Dancing With the Stars," and Walsh Jennings gave birth -- twice. Still, the duo reunited to dominate the 2012 Olympics, losing only one set in their quest for gold.
China's Wang Mingjuan weighs only 106 pounds, but she can lift more than 200. Wang claimed the weightlifting gold medal of the 2012 Olympic Games in the women's lightest category. The 26-year-old four-time world champion has not been defeated in international competition since winning her first world title in 2002, according to the Daily Mail.
If you haven't heard of Serena, right, and Venus Williams, you've been living under a rock with earmuffs on. The tennis stars took home their third Olympic gold medal for doubles in 2012. Serena is currently the Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Olympic singles champion.
Clijsters had a love affair with New York. Here she climbs into the family area after the 2005 U.S. Open final after beating France's Mary Pierce 6-3 6-1 to clinch her first grand slam title.
The Belgian suffered a shock 6-7 (3-7) 3-6 loss to Julia Vakulenko in 2007 in what proved to be her final match before retiring for the first time. Clijsters took time away from the sport to raise her family and gave birth to Jada in 2008.
Clijsters defended her Flushing Meadows crown in 2010, avenging her defeat by Russia's Zvonareva in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon -- a loss she told CNN "hurt her the most."
Clijsters enjoys popularity in Australia thanks to ex-boyfriend and male tennis star Lleyton Hewitt. She was overcome with emotion after defeating Li Na of China to clinch the 2011 Australian Open -- the fourth grand slam title of her career.
The daughter of a footballer and a gymnast, Clijsters is renowned for her on-court splits -- an ability which originated from her early years on clay courts but was later transferred to other surfaces.
Clijsters' final singles match was a loss against unseeded British teenager Laura Robson in the second round of the 2012 U.S. Open. She also competed in the mixed doubles competition with Bob Bryan, but they too lost in the second round.
After nearly a year out with a foot injury and a life-threatening blood clot on her lung, Serena returned to the Tour in June 2011, at Eastbourne. Things didn't go exactly to plan upon her return.
As soon as the tennis season finished Serena and Venus visited Africa, to promote an initiative that recognizes women of all ages who have broken the mould in their respective fields.
The 19-year-old American is extremely athletic and counts a speedy serve among her weaponry.
She also possesses a ferocious forehand which has been used to quell many oppenents this year. A strong showing at Wimbledon, where she reached the third round, was followed by her best ever performance at Roland Garros, eventually losing to U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur in the fourth round.
Stephens' success in 2012 follows a successful career as a junior. She first picked up a racket when she was nine years old, and moved from California to a Florida tennis academy to hone her skills.
Her junior career included three consecutive doubles titles at the French Open, Wimbledon (pictured) and the U.S. Open with Timea Babos from Hungary (second left) in 2010.
According to Jeff Newman, tournament director at the Citi Open in Washington D.C., Stephens has the "it" factor. "She resonates with the fans and has a great personality," Newman says.
"People are looking for the next superstar -- someone to replace the Williams sisters -- and she certainly has the ability," says Newman.
Stephens is blessed with great sporting genes. Her mother Sybil Smith was a champion swimmer for Boston University, while her father John Stephens (pictured) was an NFL running back. They divorced when Sloane was a child, and he was killed in a car accident in 2009.
Williams has had a distinctive look since she first burst onto the scene in the mid-1990s. As a teenager she was well known for her braided hair.
As her career continued and her interest in fashion grew, Williams began to experiement with her on-court outfits. At the 2010 Australian Open, the seven-time grand slam champion sported this neon yellow number.
Williams lit up the clay at a WTA event in Madrid in 2010 with this risque red and black dress.
The 2010 season proved to be one of Williams' most experimental. But the American proved she can also stand out when observing the strict all-white code at Wimbledon.
She began 2011 in equally bold style, turning out at the Australian Open in a yellow lattice dress.
The American had her tresses in control for the start of the second-round match against the Greek qualifier.
It didn't stop her winning, but the in-form American was frustrated after making 44 unforced errors -- which she said was "unprofessional."
Williams has now won 35 of her last 36 singles matches, having claimed the Olympic women's title for the first time as well as defending her doubles crown with older sister Venus.
Venus also won her opening match in Cincinnati, beating Olympic semifinalist Maria Kirilenko of Russia as she kept her trademark long braids safely tied up.
Sharapova was spotted at an early age by former great Martina Navratilova and after moving to the United States she was enrolled into the famous Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida at the age of nine.
The Russian became the third youngest female to win Wimbledon in 2004 aged just 17. She beat Serena Williams in the final to spark huge interest the papers labelled "Maria Mania."
Since becoming China's first grand slam singles champion in Paris last year, Li has signed seven new sponsorship deals.
Western brands have seized on Li as a way of moving into the Chinese marketplace, which is traditionally one of the hardest to infiltrate.
Li has a deal with Chinese insurance firm Taikang, and her U.S.-based agent says she could have signed up to seven further sponsorships, but he did not want to compromise her tennis career.
Li has comfortably maintained her place in the world's top 10 but hasn't won another title since Roland Garros, although she has reached two finals this year.
However, she remains one of the most in-demand players on the WTA Tour, not just because of her nationality but also because of her engaging personality.
In China she is seen as a rebellious figure because of her tattoo, and for refusing to accept government help as she established her career.
When Li reached the finals of the Australian and French Opens last year, it was estimated that -- with China's population of 1.3 billion -- the matches attracted possibly the highest television audience for a one-off sporting event.
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