Serena Williams, is one of the most powerful players in tennis. She has both mental and physical strength. However, her mental durability received praises. Her physical strength was regarded as an unfair quirk. When Williams started dominating the sport, no player was close to her level in WTA. People started accusing of her having a heavier build than a normal female tennis player. At the time, the veteran Martina Navratilova stood up for her and took the responsibility of putting such talks to sleep.
Navratilova in defense of Serena Williams.
The 18 times Grand Slam champion herself dominated matches with powerful shots in her career days. Therefore, she understands the way Williams’ gameplay works and finds no issue in it.
What did Navratilova say?
Navratilova said in a 2015 interview, “Serena Williams is the most powerful tennis player, perhaps ever. I know she is stronger. Well, I am not sure she is that much stronger than I was in my heyday. We’d have to bench press to see who was stronger.”
Navratilova had more to add in favour of Williams.
“Serena certainly hits the ball harder than anybody out there but it takes a lot of ability to hit the tennis ball as well she does. We should not look at it as a putdown. Build like a man? I don’t think so. She’s got curves of a woman.” Navratilova added.
How is Williams special?
Williams is the first female player after Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova to touch the milestone of 100 victories in a Grand Slam. She achieved the record in the year 2019 on the hard courts of the US Open.