How many times has Serena Williams been world No. 1?

Question

Serena Williams won back the No. 1 singles ranking in 2009 and has held the ranking for 90 weeks total (week beginning 15th February 2010) in her career. But how many times has she risen to the top ranking?

Answer 1

The 90 weeks are comprised of five stints at the top. Serena was No. 1 for 57 weeks from July 2002 to August 2003; four weeks from September to October 2008; 11 weeks from February to April 2009; two in October 2009; and for the current stint beginning on November 9th 2009.