Tennis legend Serena Williams recently announced that she will be retiring after the US Open. With the whole world offering their love and support to one of the greatest athletes ever, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal also chimed in on the conversation.

Talking on the latest episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, the former NBA champion reflected back on Serena’s legendary career. While Shaq feels she is not the same player she was before, he also said she might come back.

The reason? To become the most decorated player in women’s tennis history. Currently, Margaret Court has the highest number of Grand Slams in women’s tennis with 24 singles titles. She is followed closely by Serena who has 23 to her name.

READ MORE: “Roger Federer is the Michael Jordan of Tennis”: Nick Kyrgios Predicted His ‘Most Hurtful Retirement’ in 2021

Shaq said, “In that sense if she wants to get that record, I’d say come back and get it. But, if she has nothing else to prove, I would just stay with my lovely children and husband and be one of those legends who lives forever.“

Moreover, Shaq had previously talked on the same podcast about how he has noticed a dip in Serena’s performance. According to the former Los Angeles Lakers star, there have been instances when Serena had the chance to take the opportunity but she just couldn’t.

However, Shaq also made it clear that Serena has nothing left to prove to anyone. In fact, she is a legend in her own right. Therefore, if she decides to come back, the Big Diesel would support her decision. If not, the four-time NBA champion believes Serena will still go down in history as a pioneer of the game.

Shaquille O’Neal takes inspiration from the Williams sisters

Serena Williams and her younger sister Venus Williams have had legendary careers in the sport of tennis. While Serena has 23 grand slams, Venus has seven grand slams to her name.

Needless to say, they both serve as inspirations for millions across the world. Interestingly enough, it seems even NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal takes inspiration from them.

He once said, “Whenever I have problems I always say look at Venus and Serena.” The four-time NBA champion said this during an event featuring himself and Venus. After listening to Shaq’s kind words, Williams returned the favor by saying that the only word in everyone’s mouth for 20 years was Shaq.

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Do you want Serena to make a comeback in the future? Let us know in the comments down below.