TENNIS champion Serena Williams is having a fantastic year.

Having regained her No1 spot as the women's top tennis player in the world this week, she has made the cover of ESPN's The Body Issue magazine, "butt naked".

Clever staging means fans won't see too much, but it's still a risque move for a sports star known for her religious beliefs and strong family focus.

This comes hot on the heels of her outburst at the recent US Open tournament. Her tantrum got her a R75000 fine and also an embarrassing public reprimand.