MELBOURNE, Australia - The International Tennis Writers Association has named Serena Williams as one of its Ambassadors of the Year for 2012.

The award was voted for by ITWA members and presented to Williams, and the ATP's Andy Murray, by ITWA co-president Sebastian Fest at the Australian Open on Saturday.

In 2012, Williams enjoyed one of the most successful campaigns of her career, winning her 14th and 15th Grand Slam titles - at Wimbledon and the US Open - as well as picking up singles and doubles gold at the London Olympics and finishing the year with yet more silverware at the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships - Istanbul.

"Serena Williams and Andy Murray are great champions, but they are also very good ambassadors for their sport," Fest said. "Both understand that their high standing in tennis involves major media commitments and we appreciate their co-operation with all areas of the media."

The ITWA represents more than 100 of the world's leading tennis journalists and its annual awards recognize not only achievements on the court but also conduct off it, including co-operation with the media.