Thursday, July 17, 2025
Home Tenis "I’m in full admiration of Serena Williams" - When Roger Federer picked...

“I’m in full admiration of Serena Williams” – When Roger Federer picked American over himself, Nadal & Djokovic as the ‘overall’ tennis GOAT

Roger Federer has never shied away from showing admiration for Serena Williams. At one point, he even said he considered her the ultimate tennis “GOAT,” placing her above himself, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. He also took a moment to praise Venus Williams.

Ad

Williams has won 23 Grand Slams, the most by any woman in the Open Era and the second most overall, behind only Novak Djokovic and Margaret Court. But her legacy goes far beyond the numbers. From fighting tirelessly for equal prize money to being a powerful inspiration for Black athletes around the world, her impact on the sport and society is nothing short of legendary.

To top it off, the American pulled off one of the most iconic feats in tennis history by winning the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant with her daughter, Olympia. She also returned after giving birth and still managed to reach multiple Grand Slam finals.

Ad

During a 2018 interview with The Wall Street Journal, Roger Federer spoke with deep admiration for Serena Williams, calling her the greatest to ever play the sport. He said:

"Overall, we know [Serena] is all the way up there. I’m probably up there with somebody, somehow. Maybe there’s a group, a best of five—and if you’re in that group, you should be pleased and happy. Tennis is a funky sport when it comes to that stuff. I’m in full admiration of Serena. And Venus, too, by the way."

Ad

The Swiss even placed her above himself, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, adding:

"It’s been fascinating to watch. She had a totally different upbringing—I came up through Switzerland with the federation, she did it with her dad and her sister. It’s an amazing story unto itself—and then she became one of the greatest, if not the greatest tennis player of all time."

Ad

For Serena Williams and Roger Federer, the respect has always been mutual. The American has also spoken highly of the 20-time Grand Slam champion on several occasions.


Serena Williams: "Roger Federer is a genius...he's just a synopsis of greatness and class"

Serena Williams and Roger Federer pictured at the 2019 Miami Open | Image Source: Getty
Serena Williams and Roger Federer pictured at the 2019 Miami Open | Image Source: Getty

In 2021, Serena Williams openly expressed her admiration for Roger Federer during a press interaction. She described him as a “genius” and called him the embodiment of “greatness and class,” making it clear just how highly she regards the Swiss maestro.

Ad

Williams said:

"I think two words sum it up: Roger Federer. He's just a synopsis of greatness and class and amazing and really changed the game. You see players playing like him, moving like him, doing his techniques. The guy is (a) genius."

Williams played her final professional tournament at the 2022 US Open, bringing her incredible career full circle at her home Slam. She teamed up with her sister Venus in doubles for one last run, but the duo fell short. In singles, she fought hard but bowed out in the third round to Ajla Tomljanovic.

Meanwhile, Federer also called time on his career that same year, choosing the Laver Cup as his final event. His farewell was nothing short of unforgettable, surrounded by his biggest rivals and close friends: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray.

Who Are Roger Federer's Kids? Know All About Federer's Twins

Quick Links

Edited by Pritha Ghosh
RELATED ARTICLES

WATCH: Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal reunite after days as Swiss and his wife Mirka visit Spaniard’s tennis academy

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal recently reunited in Mallorca as the Swiss, accompanied by wife Mirka, paid a visit to the Spaniard's famed tennis academy. The reunion happened almost two months after the pair came together for the emotional tribute held in honor of the 14-time French Open champion at Roland Garros. Ad In a

Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe & Tommy Paul’s Next Tournaments: All about the Americans’ schedule after Wimbledon heartbreaks

Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Francis Tiafoe, and Tommy Paul all faced heartbreak at Wimbledon 2025. The four Americans, all seeded among the top 16 players in the world, were eliminated from the tournament at various stages. Ad The lowest-seeded pair of the four at No.12 and No.13 in the world, Francis Tiafoe and Tommy Paul

“I think people forget Carlos Alcaraz’s early years” – Chris Eubanks defends Joao Fonseca amid fan criticism, recalls Alcaraz’s early losses

Chris Eubanks recently drew a comparison between Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca, as he defended the Brazilian from criticism. The American highlighted Alcaraz's early years on the ATP tour, pointing out the ups and downs he faced before beginning to dominate the men's singles world alongside Jannik Sinner. Ad Fonseca is one of the most

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

“Expect him to play like an All-Star” – Bradley Beal’s agent shares Clippers HC Ty Lue’s demands from $11 million buyout star

The Bradley Beal saga has finally come to an end. The former Washington Wizards star is now heading to sunny California to play with the LA Clippers. Beal agreed to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns, giving back $13.9 million of the $110 million he had left on his contract. The Clippers gave him

“He’s a winning guy.”: Heat’s Kasparas Jakučionis on idolizing LA Lakers’ superstar duo, summer league, mental fortitude and more (EXCLUSIVe)

LAS VEGAS – While discussing his childhood hero, Kasparas Jakučionis’ eyes lit up and his smile widened. Ad The Miami Heat rookie already appeared in a good mood when he discussed overcoming early shooting struggles in the California Classic with strong performances in Las Vegas Summer League. When he reflected on watching LeBron James growing

WATCH: Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal reunite after days as Swiss and his wife Mirka visit Spaniard’s tennis academy

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal recently reunited in Mallorca as the Swiss, accompanied by wife Mirka, paid a visit to the Spaniard's famed tennis academy. The reunion happened almost two months after the pair came together for the emotional tribute held in honor of the 14-time French Open champion at Roland Garros. Ad In a

“Got away from his identity and who he is as a player: Bradley Beal’s agent outlines reason for failure in Phoenix, Clippers’ vision (EXCLUSIVE)

Bradley Beal’s agent talks Clippers’ vision, buyout with Suns and why stint didn’t work out in Phoenix Ad By Mark Medina Amid overlapping injuries, a top-heavy roster and frequent coaching turnover, the Phoenix Suns vastly underachieved for the past two seasons with a first-round sweep to Minnesota (in 2024) and a missed playoff appearance altogether

Recent Comments