Former coach of Serena Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou, stated that the legendary American is unequivocally the greatest female tennis player of all time.
Mouratoglou coached Serena during her trophy-laden years from 2012 to 2022, in which the American shattered plenty of records. But one landmark that eluded the now 42-year-old Williams is the overall Grand Slam record, proudly owned by Australian tennis great Margaret Court.
The Frenchman has previously lavished praise on the younger of the Williams sisters, believing that her numbers are unlikely to be beaten and his choice of putting Serena at the top of the women's tree ahead of 24-time Grand Slam champion Court divided opinion.
However, Mouratoglou opined that Serena, who won 23 Grand Slams in singles during an illustrious playing career lasting nearly three decades, deserved to be named the great female tennis player purely because she played in the professional circuit, which is classified as the Open Era, a lot longer.
The 53-year-old, who took to social media platform X, also elaborated that Court's record took effect during the Amateur Era, which accounted for over half of her 24 Slams. Only 11 of the Australian's majors came during the Open Era, ranking way lower than Williams' total of 23.
"No because Margaret Court record was established before the Open Era, when tennis was not a professional sport. Cannot compare. Serena is the Goat of Women tennis."
Amateurs never received compensation in monetary terms and only competed for pride and prestige. But records garnered during that period are still counted within tennis history books.
It was not until 1968 that the Open Era came into being and allowed the inclusivity of amateurs and professionals. Prize money was also introduced.
But by Mouratoglou's judgment, the title of the greatest player, either male or female, should be based on numbers, with Grand Slams being a key metric in tipping the scales.
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