There is no doubt that Serena Williams is an incredible athlete.
Anyone who suggests that she is not a stupendously talented tennis player would receive little credibility among the sports’ pundits and fans alike.
Further still, those proposing that she is not one of the modern game’s most successful players would be few and far between.
However, one accolade that yet eludes Williams is universal recognition of her title as the GOAT – Greatest of all Time. A title of the highest praise in sporting terms, that someone as driven and determined as the persona Williams projects, undoubtedly aspires to own.
Perhaps those considered as the GOAT in their field have something more to their resume than an ultra-successful record. Williams has dominated her opponents for nearly 25 years with her brute strength and relentless power.
Performances throughout her career have resulted in her spending the most consecutive weeks at world number one of any female tennis player in history. Which begs the question – is there more to being the GOAT than having the best record?
Take Roger Federer’s contrasting case as an example. Although some of his records remain in reach for a select few, his status as the GOAT is largely undisputed. A comparison between the respective records of Federer and Williams suggests they both stand on a pedestal, perched comfortably above anyone else, certainly in the modern game.
What separates them in their pursuit to be the Greatest of all Time lies behind the records, the success and the skill.
Roger Federer prepares to serve. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
One of Federer’s long time opponents, Andy Roddick, had every reason to take personal grudge against Federer, who had a convincing 21-3 record over the otherwise dominant American.
Roddick is reported to have said to Federer “I’d love to hate you, but you’re really nice.” This is not the only story that speaks volumes of Federer’s character.
ATP Player Council president Eric Butorac has publicly spoken of Federer’s dedication to his fans, sponsors and other players. Further, Butorac says he has “seen him handle even the most invasive, uncourteous requests with unwavering grace.”
A gentleman and an ambassador for the sport, Federer sets the standard for his fellow players on how to be a role model. The same cannot be said for Williams.
With a reputation that often precedes her, Williams has had multiple disputes with umpires and line judges – much like her run in with chair umpire Carlos Ramos only days ago.
During her blow up in the corresponding tournament in 2009, the first of many to come, Williams infamously threatened a lineswoman after a foot-fault call.
Many considered what was said to be a death threat. The code violation awarded gave her opponent match point, although not her first for the match. Only two years later, Williams was again in hot water with the chair umpire.
After receiving a code violation, Williams unleashed a tirade of abuse claiming that chair umpire Eva Asderaki was “out of control”, a “loser” and “unattractive inside”. Such altercations are a far cry from the headlines that surrounded those assured of a status as the GOAT – Michael Jordan, Donald Bradman, Wayne Gretzky.
Serena Williams loses the plot in staggering US Open Final tirade
Stretching beyond tennis, the status of many other great athletes has suffered due to off-field indiscretions.
In 2009, Tiger Woods reputation as Golf’s GOAT took an instant hit after he was involved in an escalating sex scandal. Arguments aside, it is indisputable that questions arose in the aftermath of the saga about how good Tiger Woods really was.
If, during this tumultuous period, Woods golf record didn’t change, what does that say about the perceptions of a GOAT? Woods topped Time‘s online poll for least respected person of 2009.
He also wore accusations of drug abuse and not playing in the spirit of the game. The fact that Woods position as the greatest golfer of all time came under question at this time suggests that there is more to being the GOAT than record alone.
So where does this leave Serena Williams?
Sunday night’s decider was merely another example of why Williams has become and remains unpopular among officials, as she faces the possibility of an umpire boycott unless a formal apology is made to umpire Ramos.
Williams has also been a part of a long running public fallout with competitor Maria Sharapova, one of multiple players she is known not to see eye to eye with.
Although the 2018 US Open final saw a Grand Slam title go begging, more damage was done to Serena Williams’ pursuit of becoming the greatest female tennis player of all time than a dent to her sparkling record.
She remains locked in a battle, as she has for some time, to win the support of officials, competitors and fans.
A battle more challenging than any she is yet to face on the court. For every day that Serena Williams’ status as the GOAT remains in limbo, clearer does it become that there is more to being the Greatest of all Time being the most successful player.
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