Google News 'Serena Williams is already the greatest player of all time, with or..' says coach
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 11603
Asked about the greatest player of all time, the famous coach Patrick Mouratoglou had no doubts! Patrick places his pupil Serena Williams above all the rivals, saying she does not need the 24th Major crown to earn the GOAT status, as he already owns it.
Comparing Margaret Court with Serena, Patrick gives the advantage to the American by saying that Court played in a different era, with smaller draws and weaker Australian Opens. Williams turns 40 soon, and she still wants to fight for that elusive 24th Major crown, waiting for it for four and a half years.
Serena claimed the 23rd Major crown at the Australian Open 2017 and moved one behind Court, looking good to pass her in the upcoming events. The great American took a break from tennis to give berth to a child later that year, returning to action in 2018.
Eager to get back where she belongs, Williams reached four Major finals at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2018 and 2019, losing them all and failing to match Court's record. On top of that, Serena has been dealing with numerous injuries in the last couple of years, as her body failed to follow the will and desire.
Following last year's Roland Garros injury, Williams recovered for the Australian Open and chased the eighth Melbourne crown this February. Delivering her best tennis since returning in 2018, Serena defeated five rivals to reach the semis, including notable victories over Aryna Sabalenka and Simona Halep!
Setting eyes on the trophy, Williams faced Naomi Osaka in a blockbuster clash and suffered a tough 6-3, 6-4 defeat.
Patrick Mouratoglou honors Serena Williams as the greatest player of all time.
Serena wasted an early lead in the opener and fell short after staying in touch until 4-4 in the second.
Competing in Rome and Parma on clay in May, the American suffered early exits before scoring three wins at Roland Garros to enter the last 16. Elena Rybakina proved to be too strong in that one, and Serena switched focus to her beloved Wimbledon.
In another setback, Williams retired in the opening round against Aliaksandra Sasnovich after only six completed games due to an injury, not playing since then and gathering dark clouds over the rest of the season after withdrawing from the US Open.
"Margaret Court was playing at a time when three-quarters did not even go to Australia for the Australian Open, where tennis was an amateur sport and when there were 16 players in the draw. I do not mean to disrespect Margaret Court, but it's another era.
Yes, it would be better if Serena broke her record but, if she does not, she will still be the greatest player of all time. Serena still has a chance to win another Major; the question is how much she wants it and what is she willing to do to get there.
It became harder after becoming a mother, and her daughter has to be her priority. Her family comes first, and I think that's the main reason she did not win another Major," Patrick Mouratoglou said.