Serena Williams, G.O.A.T.
Start writing a post
Sports

Serena Williams, G.O.A.T.

She's back!

103
Serena Williams, G.O.A.T.
Wikimeda Commons

The G.O.A.T. has returned to tennis.

23 Grand Slam Single victories, 14 Grand Slam Doubles victories, and 4 Olympic Gold Medals.

Serena Williams is not a stranger of winning. The 36-year-old new mother and wife, has been a force to reckon with in the tennis circuit.

In 2017, Williams won her 23rd Grand Slam Singles Title against her older sister, Venus, at the Australian Open, surpassing Steffi Graf’s record (22).

After her record-breaking win, many dubbed her the “greatest athlete of all time.” Given her and her sister’s dominance over the sport, should it have taken that long for her to receive that title?

In December 2016, Williams sat down with Oscar-winning artist, Common for an interview titled The Undefeated in Depth: Serena Williams with Common that aired on ESPN.

During that time, the world of American sports had been full of protests and wage equality debates. Common asked her about the evolution of her career, being African American, and being a woman-two demographics that are often unfortunately marginalized or overlooked.

When asked about how ‘ironic’ it is that an African American woman would begin to be described as the greatest athlete of all time, Williams responded, “ I think if I were a man, I would have been in that conversation a long time ago. I think being a woman is just a whole new set of problems from society that you have to deal with, as well as being black, so it’s a lot to deal with — and especially lately. I’ve been able to speak up for women’s rights because I think that gets lost in color or gets lost in cultures. Women make up so much of this world, and, yeah, if I were a man, I would have 100 percent been considered the greatest ever a long time ago.”

Following her 23rd win and the interview for the Undefeated, Serena announced that she was expecting with her fiance, Alexis Ohanian and would take a temporary leave from tennis.

In September of 2017, Serena gave birth and was determined to make her way back to the court.

Over the past month, HBO Network has debuted a five-part series of Serena’s journey back to the French Open. The five episodes documented her emergency c-section, wedding to Alexis, and her frustrations while attempting to get back at the level she was competing at before her hiatus.

Last week, she began to play in the French Open, the first major tournament since her maternity leave. With victories in the first two rounds of play, it is clear that Serena is continuing to exude strength and dominance on the court.

Her two victories back have resulted in many praising her for returning to the sport after time off. Professional Men’s player, Novak Djokovic had nothing but kind words to say about Williams.

"All the superlatives and beautiful words that you can think of, she deserves it. Especially now, after she gave birth to Olympia and after all she has achieved in sport to see her back and putting [in] hours on the court and work, again and again."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51596
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33116
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956092
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181022
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments