Serena is the best ever, says older sister Venus Williams

I’ve got your back – Venus has said her older sister is the GOAT

Venus Williams has admitted that her sister Serena is the best player of all time regardless of whether she has won a calendar grand slam or not, after she was beaten by the World Number 1 in their quarterfinal clash at the US Open. The clash was the 27th time the two have faced each other in their careers, and the result means Serena needs just two victories to become the first player since Steffi Graf to win all four tennis majors in a year.

The World Number 23 was equally competent in the match-up and almost looked like pulling an upset out of the bag when she dropped just one game to win the second set, but 12 aces, 35 winners, and three service breaks from her Serena meant that she couldn’t reach her first Grand Slam final since winning the Wimbledon in 2008.

When asked about the possibility of Serena becoming the first player since 1988 to win a calendar-year grand slam, the 35-year-old praised her younger sister’s brilliant career and insisted that she has nothing to prove.

“I think that would be huge, not just for me, but for my family, just for what it represents and how hard we have worked and where we come from,” Venus said, as quoted on The Guardian. “So it would be a moment for our family. But at the same time, if it doesn’t happen it’s not going to make or break you.We don’t have anything to prove. She has nothing to prove. She’s really the best ever, so what are you going to do? Just try to make it. If you don’t, then that’s that and go to the next one.”

“Serena is the best ever because of the level of competition that she’s faced. There have been some unbelievable players in the past, but I have played in what seems like multiple eras at this point,”

“I have played the best from different eras, as well. I have seen the level of competitiveness go up, and I have seen players who are ranked 100, who didn’t believe they could win a match against you, fight you tooth and nail and try to take you down. That didn’t happen when I started so just to be able to win at this level, I think that’s what makes her the best.” she further added.

The two sisters embraced each other after nearly 100 minutes of fiery on-court action and despite being on the losing side once again, she was glad to have the opportunity to witness Serena while she tries to make history.

“Losing isn’t fun,” she said. “But probably the most gratifying thing is I’m still very excited to see Serena have an opportunity to win the four majors. I think that’s the best part.”

Serena Williams will take on the unseeded Roberta Vinci in the semi-finals after the Italian knocked out Kristina Mladenovic 6-3 5-7 6-4. She is the overwhelming favourite to win US Open, which would see her level Steffi Graf’s record of 22 Grand slam wins and establish her as one of the greatest players in the history of tennis.