Serena and Li Na were the most influential women's athletes in 2014.

The popular sports channel ESPN has just announced its list of 25 individuals who have made a difference in women's sports this year, including 12 athletes, 12 influential figures in other fields, and a Woman of the Year.

Serena Williams (left) and Li Na's achievements in 2014 deserve recognition. Photo: TNC.

Among the 12 female athletes, tennis contributed two representatives: Serena Williams and Li Na – the two players who held the number one and number two rankings on the WTA for most of 2014.

“My ambition to win titles is no secret; I’m still trying to catch up with Steffi. But right now, my focus is on my 19th Grand Slam title, and that will start at the 2015 Australian Open,” shared Serena Williams, who has 18 Grand Slam titles in her career – equaling the legendary Chris Evert.

For Li Na, 2014 was a memorable year, as she won her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier in the year, since her first victory at the French Open in 2007. She was the first Asian player to win a Grand Slam title. At the peak of her career, ranked world number two, injuries led the Chinese player to decide to retire last September.

Also included in the top 25 is former tennis player Billie Jean King. The American tennis player is known for being a pioneer in openly gay and laying the groundwork for the fight against homophobia in sports. She was named among the 12 most influential women of the past year.

The remaining athletes on the Impact 25 list are Mo'ne Davis (baseball), Brittney Griner (basketball), Ronda Rousey (wrestling), Maya Moore (basketball), Amy Purdy (skier with disabilities), Michelle Wie (golf), Mikaela Shiffrin (skiing), Lydia Ko (golf), Lauren Hill (basketball), and Simone Billes (gymnastics).

According to VNE