Former world No.1 Andy Roddick has expressed his admiration for Serena Williams and the achievements she has made throughout her career.
Last month Williams won her 23rd grand slam title at the Australian Open by defeating sister Venus in the final. She is now only one major title away from equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24. Williams has also returned back to the top of the rankings after being dethroned last year by Angelique Kerber.
Speaking about the 35-year-old in an interview with ESPN, Roddick ranked Williams as one of the greatest athletes of all time, male or female. The two have known each other since they were children. Last year Roddick told The New York Observer that he has been ‘best friends’ with Williams since he was eight-years-old.
“To see her go from the girl I used to practice next to all the time to become this icon — and not just one of the greatest women athletes of all time, but one of the greatest athletes of all time, it’s amazing. Watching her march her way through the history of our sport has been a pleasure.” He told ESPNW.
“She’s always been a friend first, and it’s hard for me to disassociate that from who she has become, but it’s been amazing to see.”
Williams has so far won 72 titles on the WTA Tour and is the only player in history to win 10 or more grand slam trophies in two different decades. She has also won 316 matches in major tournaments, more than any other player (Roger Federer is second with 314).
The accolades associated with Williams is an explanation as to why she is considered to be one of the greatest female players. Nevertheless, the world No.1 prefers to be considered as one of the greatest regardless of gender. At the 2016 Wimbledon Championships, she gave a swift response to the media when one journalist named her one of the greatest women players.
“I prefer the word ‘one of the greatest athletes of all time.’ She said.
Roddick has also spoken out about gender labelling. He dismissed that pointing out Williams is one of the best for her gender is a negative perspective. Instead, he believes that these labels are acceptable as long as the public also look at the wider picture.
“Saying she’s the best woman athlete shouldn’t be taken as offensive as long as she’s in the conversation with the greatest male athletes of all time as well. We need to enter her into the conversation with (Michael) Jordan and (Muhammad) Ali.” He said.
“ I think that’s where the respect lies, and where the conversation needs to go, after the acknowledgement of what she’s done for women in sports.”
Williams will return to action next month at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
