The debate over who is the greatest female tennis player of all time (GOAT) has long centered on a few legendary names: Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, and Serena Williams. American boxing legend Mike Tyson once weighed in on this conversation, arguing that Navratilova’s consistency gave her the edge over Serena Williams, despite the latter’s raw power and dominance in the modern game.
Tyson’s Take on Navratilova’s Legacy
Tyson, in a 2010 interview with journalist Scoop Malinowski, discussed his admiration for Martina Navratilova and reminisced about playing tennis with her when she stayed at his home in New Jersey. Tyson, who was an avid fan of tennis, said:
“I hit with Martina Navratilova when she stayed at my house in New Jersey… She was the greatest.”
Despite acknowledging Williams’ physical dominance, Tyson emphasized self-control and composure as key factors that made Navratilova the GOAT. He argued that tennis wasn’t just about power but about consistent, calm execution over time. Tyson questioned why Serena Williams, despite her power and success, hadn’t surpassed Navratilova’s career record, particularly in terms of consistency and longevity.
Serena Williams and the GOAT Debate
While Tyson’s opinion emphasized longevity and consistency, others, like Scoop Malinowski, argued that Serena Williams—with her powerful baseline game—would have overwhelmed Navratilova, especially in a match played at their respective peaks. In the 2010s, Serena Williams was moving closer to Navratilova’s and Steffi Graf’s career milestones, amassing 23 Grand Slam singles titles, just one shy of Graf’s record, and often dominating opponents with sheer athleticism and power.
Navratilova’s View on the GOAT Debate
Navratilova, in a 2020 interview, acknowledged that if Grand Slam titles were the only measure, Serena Williams would be the GOAT, having surpassed Graf’s tally. However, she also pointed out that other metrics, such as career longevity, match consistency, and overall dominance across surfaces, would favor her and Graf.
“If you just go on majors, then you have Serena Williams. If you go a different way, then it would be me or Steffi Graf, perhaps Margaret Court,” Navratilova said.
Though Navratilova expressed respect for Williams’ achievements, she suggested that Serena’s pursuit of 24 Grand Slam titles—to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record—was partly motivated by the desire to solidify her position as the GOAT.
Conclusion: A Matter of Perspective
Ultimately, the GOAT debate remains subjective, with each player excelling in different areas:
- Martina Navratilova boasts an unmatched 59 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, with 18 singles Grand Slams and 31 doubles titles.
- Steffi Graf claimed 22 singles Grand Slam titles and made history with the Golden Slam in 1988, a feat still unparalleled.
- Serena Williams’s 23 singles Grand Slams stand as the highest in the Open Era, with her combination of power, athleticism, and mental toughness cementing her place among the greatest.
In the end, the definition of the GOAT often depends on personal criteria—whether it’s Grand Slam titles, longevity, or dominance across surfaces.
