Serena Williams, a name synonymous with greatness in the world of tennis, has candidly shared her feelings about being labeled the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). Throughout her illustrious career, she has obliterated numerous records, yet her role as the youngest of five siblings keeps her grounded and humble.

Six Reasons Why Serena Williams Will Always Be The GOAT

Historic Achievements

Leading up to the 2015 US Open, Williams proudly achieved the remarkable feat known as the ‘Serena Slam’ for the second time. This designation indicates that she held all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously, not within the same calendar year. Williams first accomplished this milestone by triumphing at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open in 2002, followed by the Australian Open in 2003. She repeated this incredible achievement by clinching the US Open in 2014 and securing the remaining Grand Slam titles in 2015.

A Humble Champion

Six Reasons Why Serena Williams Will Always Be The GOAT

In an interview prior to the 2015 US Open with Inside Tennis, Williams was probed about her thoughts on being frequently dubbed the greatest player of all time. “I’m just Serena who trains every day and does everything — the youngest of five. That keeps me levelheaded and humble. When you mention me next to the greats, I just feel really weird for now,” she confessed.

When discussing her inspirations, she cited tennis legends such as Monica Seles, Zina Garrison, and Althea Gibson. Interestingly, when confronted with the idea that she has become a role model for the younger generation, Williams humbly remarked, “I’ve become the person that people can look up to — but not on purpose. I just go out there and do the best I can. I’m myself, and people can learn from my mistakes and from what I do right. I’m not picture-perfect, and that could be inspiring, as well.”

Legacy of Excellence

In the Arena: Serena Williams' director on what makes a GOAT - ESPN

From her first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 1999, Williams continued her pursuit of excellence, earning a Major title almost every year until 2017, when she captured her extraordinary 23rd title, setting a new record. Remarkably, Williams achieved her milestone during the Australian Open in 2017 while unknowingly pregnant with her first daughter, Olympia. This match is particularly historic as she dominated each competitor without revealing her pregnancy, solidifying her status as the unequivocal record holder for the most Grand Slam titles won by a woman in the Open Era.

Following the birth of her daughter, Williams made a commendable return to tennis, reaching four more Grand Slam finals, though she was unable to secure additional titles. Ultimately, she bid farewell to the sport after the 2022 US Open, concluding her career as one of the most extraordinary athletes in the history of tennis, possibly the greatest of all time.