Why relentless Serena Williams is an all-time great

www.sportingo.com / Abes Battjes

Like her elder sister Venus, Serena may not be retired, but that doesn't mean she isn't the greatest female player ever. Her Grand Slam record and ranking justify the claim.

Williams holds the power to dominate on clay, hard-court and even indoor carpet. Not only does she possess the versatility, but she can always come back despite how slim her chances seem. When it comes to rating the best woman tennis player ever, the names of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert immediately come to mind. But perhaps the most extraordinary player is still producing scintillating tennis. Serena Williams may not be retired like most other players defined as “tennis greats” - but she is nothing short of astonishing.

The young Williams turn pro at the tender age of 14, and even though she didn’t claim a singles title until four years later, she still took the tennis world by storm. In 1998, when she was only 17, she claimed four doubles titles, winning in Zurich and Oklahoma City with elder sister Venus, and at the US Open and Wimbledon with Max Mirnyi. Since she turned professional she has captured 29 singles and 10 doubles title. Seven of the doubles titles have come at the most prestigious events, including all four Grand Slams, and even a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Just two years after turning professional Serena finished the year ranked inside the top 100. In early July of 2002 she finally set herself apart, taking the No.1 ranking and staying there for a total of 57 weeks.
Already in her successful career, she has claimed eight Grand Slam titles, and even though it may not compare to what Navratilova accomplished, the game has changed significantly since Martina's era.

The Australian Open has been witness numerous times to just how great Serena is. For instance, she entered the 2007 tournament ranked at a lowly 81 and huge question marks loomed over her head. On a few occasions she trailed in matches, but found the form that had carried her to her previous seven Grand Slam titles, demolishing Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-2 in the final. That victory re-established her amongst the top 10 again.

For some players it is hard to compete on all surfaces, but Williams holds the power to dominate on clay, hard-court and even indoor carpet. Not only does she possess the versatility, but she can always come back despite how slim her chances seem.

Williams may hold a total 16 Grand Slam titles, singles and doubles, but one of the most outstanding aspects of her game is that she never relents and always fights. In 2007 she took on Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia in the Wimbledon fourth round. In the second set, while walking along the baseline Serena was struck by a leg cramp and fell to the ground in agony. After having her calf heavily tapped, she found inner strength to pull through. How many players would be able to serve a 110mph ace with no leg movement? Williams did - and after a short rain delay took down Hantuchova 6-2 in the third set.

Achieving so much in her career it’s hard to sum up what makes Serena a great champion. She wins at Grand Slams, dominates in singles and doubles, has topped the rankings, and made history for African-American women. If Williams isn’t one of the greatest women of all time, then what is she?