Steffi Graf talks about Serena Williams coming close on breaking her Record, completing 200 weeks as World No.1

 

In a remarkable achievement that solidifies her place as one of tennis’ all-time greats, Serena Williams has become the fifth player in the history of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings to complete 200 weeks at World No.1. This milestone was reached after Williams triumphed at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, marking a defining moment in her illustrious career.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion’s 200th week as World No.1 comes with a substantial lead over the competition. Currently, Williams holds a gap of 2,740 points ahead of World No.2 Li Na, a margin that suggests she is likely to maintain her top ranking for the foreseeable future. With this achievement, Williams is also on the cusp of surpassing Martina Hingis, who held the No.1 spot for 209 weeks. Williams’ rise in the rankings underscores her dominance on the court and her consistency at the highest level of the sport.

The Elite List of Players Who Have Been World No.1

Serena Williams now joins an elite list of players who have held the World No.1 position for significant periods. Leading the pack is Steffi Graf, who holds the record with 377 weeks at No.1, a feat that remains unbeaten by both male and female players. Graf, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, has praised Williams’ achievement, calling it “incredible” and acknowledging the hard work it took to reach such a milestone.

In an interview, Graf expressed her admiration for Williams’ dedication, recognizing that staying at the top of the rankings year-round is not just physically demanding, but mentally and emotionally exhausting as well. Graf

noted, “Being at your best all the time in a year-round sport is all-consuming. Add to it being the best as you set the bar makes it more exhausting – physically, mentally and emotionally. Keeping that up for almost four years is remarkable.”

A Glimpse Into the Past: Graf vs. Williams

Steffi Graf’s praise for Williams is especially poignant given their shared history. The two women played each other twice in 1999, when Serena Williams was just 17 years old. That year, Williams had a breakthrough season, winning her first Grand Slam title at the French Open and reaching the Wimbledon final. Despite the intensity of their encounters, with Graf narrowly edging Williams in a thrilling three-set match in Sydney (6-2, 3-6, 7-5) and Williams claiming a victory in Miami (6-3, 3-6, 7-5), Graf was already aware of Williams’ potential.

Graf reflected on these early encounters, saying, “Athletes have their own perspectives as to why a match would be great or not, but what was very clear to me when playing her was that she had a bright future ahead. She seemed to have all that any player could hope for.” This early recognition of Williams’ talent now seems prophetic, as the American has since dominated the sport for over two decades.

A Lasting Legacy

Serena Williams’ achievement of 200 weeks at World No.1 not only places her among the most successful and enduring athletes in the history of tennis, but it also sets the stage for future milestones. With her exceptional form, powerful game, and unmatched resilience, Williams is not just cementing her legacy as a tennis icon—she is also rewriting the history books.

As Williams continues to defy the odds and achieve remarkable feats, both the tennis world and her fans will undoubtedly be watching to see what new heights she can reach. With her tenacity and ability to perform at the highest level, it’s clear that Serena Williams’ place in tennis history is firmly established, and the story is far from over.