Jill Craybas, former American tennis player, emphasizes Serena Williams’ undeniable status at the pinnacle of the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) list in tennis. Acknowledging Williams’ remarkable numbers and profound impact on the sport, Craybas highlights the American icon’s unparalleled achievements during her illustrious career.
Williams, a dominant force in singles, clinched an impressive 23 Grand Slam titles. Beyond her solo success, she demonstrated prowess in doubles with 14 Slam victories in women’s doubles and two in mixed doubles. While Williams fell just short of Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slams, Craybas and others argue that Williams’ influence and achievements make her a strong contender for the GOAT title.
Craybas expands on the discussion by emphasizing the potential significance of doubles in evaluating tennis greatness. Drawing a comparison with top male players like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, Craybas suggests that incorporating doubles success could alter the conversation.
Speaking on the ATP Tennis Radio Podcast, Craybas expresses her admiration for Serena Williams, not just for the numbers but also for the broader impact she had on tennis and beyond. Williams transcended the sport, becoming a global celebrity recognizable even to those outside the realm of tennis.
“She [Serena Williams] is definitely at the top of the list… you not only talk about the numbers, but the substance, the celebrity… Serena is one of those that transcended all of that, right? Went beyond sport. Even if you didn’t watch tennis, people knew who she was. People know who she is, no matter you are a sports fan or not, and that’s a big deal. So, for me, that’s what makes her one of the best in the world,” Craybas stated.
Despite Williams admitting to feeling tempted to make a return to tennis after her retirement in 2022, she ultimately resisted the urge, leaving her legendary career intact.
