Serena Landed An Iconic Modeling Gig

For the last 50 years, the Pirelli Calendar has featured some of the most beautiful women in the world, yet the honor of being photographed for the exclusive publication has often been reserved for supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Adriana Lima, and Gigi Hadid. Well, a superwoman has joined that elite group because Serena Williams will appear in the 2016 Pirelli Calendar and it's a huge win for the body positive movement. The reigning Wimbledon champ announced her Pirelli appearance on Sept. 18 via Twitter.

"I am so happy to be part of the next Pirelli Calendar shot by Annie Liebovitz," Williams said. The undisputed queen of the tennis courts, who recently showed her latest clothing collection at New York Fashion Week, was the first big name announced for the upcoming issue of "The Cal" and it's quite a milestone for the iconic 50-year-old calendar. Featuring an athlete, entrepreneur, and role model like Williams is an important move towards celebrating all types of women in the Pirelli Calendar, which featured its first plus size model Candice Huffine in last year's issue. In years past, the calendar has included acclaimed actresses Penélope Cruz, Hilary Swank, and screen icon Sophia Loren.

The 2016 Pirelli Calendar was shot last July by the legendary Leibovitz, who also photographed Williams' stunning Vogue cover and accompanying pictorial earlier this year:

In honor of Serena Williams' appearance in the Pirelli Calendar (to be released in November), here are seven other international beauties who have graced its pages in years past:

Kate Moss

Moss appeared on the calendar in 1994 and once again in 2012.

Naomi Campbell

Renowned photographer Patrick Demarchalier shot Campbell in 2005 for the calendar.

Adriana Lima

Lima was the January calendar girl in 2015.

Penélope Cruz

The Oscar winner was photographed for the 2007 calendar.

Sophia Loren

In 2007, the film legend became the oldest Pirelli Calendar model at the age of 72.

Candice Huffine

Huffine made history as the first plus-size model in the 2015 calendar.

Gigi Hadid

The It-girl made her Pirelli calendar debut last year.