"Serena Williams & Venus just haven’t shown consistency" - When Steffi Graf felt American duo fell short of their potential unlike Navratilova, Henin
Steffi Graf once compared Venus and Serena Williams to Martina Navratilova and Justine Henin, expressing that she believed the former duo had not fully reached their potential. The tennis legend made these remarks in 2008.
When Graf commented on the Williams sisters, Venus had already secured seven Grand Slams, while Serena had won nine. Their impressive achievements caught the attention of people worldwide, including the German.
In an interview with Tennis magazine, Graf shared her thoughts, stating that Serena and Venus, with their "physical abilities, court coverage, and athleticism," had the potential to become the best players in the world.
"Talentwise I look at [Venus and Serena] Williams and just the possibilities with their physical abilities and their court coverage and athleticism. I think they would’ve had the most potential of being the best players out there," the 55-year-old said.
However, Graf also noted that the Williams sisters hadn’t fully maximized their potential due to a lack of "consistency."
She believed that players such as Martina Navratilova and Justine Henin, who made the most of their talents, had achieved more in that regard. Navratilova and Henin finished their careers with 18 and seven Majors, respectively.
"They just haven’t shown the consistency," Graf said. "You look at someone like Navratilova who worked on every aspect of her game and her physical side. Or a Justine Henin who literally [used] every talent and everything she [had]. [The Williams sisters] have not gotten to the point where they could."
Fast forward to 2024, Serena Williams is widely regarded as the greatest tennis player of all time, surpassing Steffi Graf's record (22) by winning 23 Slams — the most in the Open Era.
Meanwhile, Venus, despite her brilliance on the court, has remained with seven Majors so far.
Steffi Graf had a classy response to the prospect of Serena Williams breaking her Grand Slam record
Serena Williams matched Steffi Graf's Grand Slam record in 2016 by winning the Wimbledon Championships. She broke the record a year later at the Australian Open, marking her 23rd Major, which ultimately became her final Grand Slam victory.
In a 2016 interview with CNN, Graf was asked about the possibility of Williams surpassing her. She offered a gracious response, saying that records are made to be broken and that she would be happy if the American accomplished the feat.
"I'm happy for her, I'm excited for her. I think it's cool that records have been broken, that's what they are there for," the German said.
"She's been phenomenal to the sport of tennis, it's been great to watch and I hope she does break it," she added.
Graf and Williams are no strangers on the court, having squared off twice on the WTA Tour. Graf won their first meeting in Sydney in 1999, but Williams came out on top in their second encounter later that year at Indian Wells.