American Tennis Legend Sends Grateful Message to the ‘GOAT’ Serena Williams as 21-Year-Old Cherished Memory Resurfaces

It was the year 2003. Serena Williams was entering that season on the back of a wonderful 2002 year, during which she won three of the four Grand Slam titles. Before the 2003 Australian Open, the former World Number 1 opted to play in a warm-up event, the Hopman Cup. She was a part of the strong United States team for that event, playing alongside James Blake. Recently, the latter reminisced special memories from that event.

Blake and Williams carried American tennis on their shoulders during the early part of the 21st century. While Blake won several ATP Tour titles, Williams managed to win an astonishing 23 Grand Slam titles. Here’s what Blake said about their Hopman Cup appearance.

James Blake opens up about special victory with Serena Williams

The American team, comprising the younger Williams sister and James Blake, went on to win the 2003 Hopman Cup title. They defeated Australia in the summit clash to clinch the trophy. It was a dominating performance by Williams and Blake, whitewashing Australia to reign supreme.

Hours ago, Blake took to social media to share the memory of this victory. He posted a picture of him and Williams lifting the trophy on his official Twitter handle and said, “That was a fun week. Playing with the GOAT is pretty memorable. Thank you @serenawilliams.”

It turned out to be a pretty good warm-up event for Williams. Subsequently, she went on to win the Australian Open title, defeating her elder sister, Venus Williams in the final. It was her maiden Grand Slam title victory Down Under, having already won the other three major titles.

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Blake has been very open about Williams’ GOAT tag. He feels that the 23-time Grand Slam champion is one of the greatest athletes of all time. He once got into an argument relating to the same topic.

Blake’s heated debate over Williams’ GOAT status

In September 2022, Blake was involved in an interview with Chris Russo. The latter had different views about the GOAT in women’s tennis which didn’t go down well with Blake.

The American legend said, “Mad dog, you shouldn’t have shown up today, man. I don’t know what you’re thinking. You’re saying she’s not the GOAT in women’s tennis?”

The war of words continued further, with Blake putting Williams in the same category as legendary players like Wayne Gretzky. Do you agree with Blake’s views on Serena Williams? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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