Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka says who is the 'biggest' tennis player ever

Despite what one might think, there is not a consensus about who is the greatest tennis player of all time. It all depends, of course, in which way one defines greatness. Is it titles? Is it about impact? Is it talent? Is it a combination of everything? In that sense, many legends and stars have put their arguments on the table. One of them is former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka.

The Japanese star, winner of four Grand Slams titles, said that Serena Williams is the “biggest” thing that will ever happen to the sport, even more so than Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer, who are also considered GOATS.

“I think that her legacy is really wide, to the point where you can’t even describe it in words. Like, she changed the sport so much,” Osaka said in 2022, as Williams retired, according to the US Open official website. “She’s introduced people that have never heard of tennis to the sport.”

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She continued, “I think I’m a product of what she’s done. I wouldn’t be here without Serena, Venus, her whole family. I’m very thankful to her. I honestly think that she’s the biggest force in the sport. That’s not intentionally trying to, like, make Federer or Nadal smaller. I just think she’s the biggest thing that will ever be in the sport. It’s just really an honor just to watch her play.”

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Apart from inspiring her to play tennis, Osaka and Williams’s stories will be forever intertwined, as the Japanese player won her first Grand Slam by beating Serena in the now-infamous 2018 US Open final. While the match was marked by Williams’ heated argument with strict umpire Carlos Ramos—who had also clashed with Nadal and Novak Djokovic—Osaka dominated from start to finish, displaying incredible focus against the legend.

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Serena Williams’ arguments to be the GOAT

Williams has more than enough arguments to be the sports’ GOAT. She won 23 Grand Slam titles, being behind only Novak Djokovic (24) in the Open Era. She also spent 319 weeks as World No. 1, including 186 consecutive weeks, tying Steffi Graf’s record.

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During her career, Williams claimed a total of 73 WTA singles titles, including victories at all four Grand Slam tournaments and five WTA Finals titles. And that’s only in singles. In doubles, she won 14 Grand Slam titles alongside her sister Venus Williams, as well as three Olympic gold medals in doubles and one in singles, making her the only tennis player to achieve a career Golden Slam in both disciplines.

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Beyond her title count, Williams set numerous records that highlight her longevity and consistency at the highest level. She is the only player to have won at least 10 Grand Slam titles in two different decades, securing major victories from 1999 to 2017. Her 2017 Australian Open triumph was particularly historic, as she won the title while pregnant.

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