Sports briefs: Serena Williams wins Player of the Year award from WTA

Tennis • Serena Williams has been named the WTA's Player of the Year after winning major titles at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, and claiming gold at the London Olympics.

Williams, who has won 15 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, was 48-2 over the final seven months of the season.

It is the fourth time Williams has won the award.

Minnesota goalie diagnosed with MS

NHL • Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

The Wild confirmed Thursday that Harding is undergoing treatment for the disease, which attacks the body's immune system and affects the central nervous system.

MS symptoms can include problems with balance, vision and fatigue. Harding, 28, told the Star Tribune he plans to keep playing. Diagnosed two months ago, Harding resumed on-ice workouts two weeks ago without trouble.

FIA explains Ferrari passing case

Auto racing • Formula One's governing body said Thursday that it will explain to Ferrari why it did not penalize Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel for an overtaking maneuver in the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.

FIA believes there is no cause for Ferrari to lodge an appeal that, if successful, would strip Vettel of the F1 title and give it to Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso.

Video footage appears to show that Vettel passed Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne while a yellow caution light was on.

From wire reports