Caitlin Clark, the rising star of the WNBA and one of the most talked-about names in women’s sports, just added another layer to her public persona — self-proclaimed superfan of tennis legend Serena Williams. In a lighthearted and revealing moment during a recent interview, Clark gushed about her admiration for Williams, calling her “the greatest American athlete ever.”

Serena Williams Gives Advice to Caitlin Clark 'Stay Grounded'

While Clark is making waves in the basketball world with record-breaking performances and a magnetic presence on and off the court, it turns out she’s been a longtime follower of Serena’s career — and not just for her trophies. “I loved how she carried herself,” Clark said. “She brought fire, she brought fun. She made you want to watch.”

The 22-year-old even recalled how she used to imitate Serena‘s celebratory fist pumps during childhood tennis matches, jokingly admitting that she was “more about the attitude than the backhand.”

A crossover of greatness and inspiration

It’s no surprise Clark would look up to Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion whose impact on women’s sports transcends the tennis court. Both women have elevated their respective games while pushing boundaries in media visibility, fashion, and endorsements. For Clark, Serena’s fearlessness and individuality served as a roadmap for how to navigate her own rising fame.

Serena Williams praises Caitlin Clark in handling young stardom

As Clark transitions into life as a professional athlete with expectations as high as her three-point range, she says she’s keeping Serena’s mindset close. “She taught me it’s okay to be bold. To be loud. To be unapologetically you,” Clark added.

With Serena’s retirement leaving a void in women’s sports, fans may find comfort knowing her legacy lives on — not just in the tennis world, but in the next generation of icons like Clark.