The debate over who holds the title of greatest tennis player of all time is one that never truly ends. For some, it’s about sheer numbers, such as Grand Slam titles, weeks at No. 1, head-to-head records. For others, it’s about dominance, longevity, or even cultural impact. Names like Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal often dominate the conversation on the men’s side.
But for Svetlana Kuznetsova, the answer is clear. The former World No. 2 and two-time Grand Slam champion recently weighed in on the GOAT debate, and her pick didn’t involve any of the Big Three on the ATP Tour. Instead, she gave a definitive nod to someone she shared the court with across multiple seasons: Serena Williams.
Speaking on the YouTube channel Business on a Napkin in 2024, Kuznetsova made her stance known. “The best player in history is Serena,” she said. “In terms of achievements, you can name Martina Navratilova, but those are different eras. Tennis has evolved so much that you can’t make comparisons. Everyone says it: the way we played back then is impossible today.”
Kuznetsova, who faced both Williams sisters throughout her career, said that the power and athleticism they brought to the game reshaped the sport. “There was Martina Hingis, then came the Williams sisters. They were the ones who brought speed and strength to tennis. They set new standards,” she added.
Serena Williams is one of the most accomplished tennis players in history ( Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
And Serena’s career certainly backs that up. Williams ended her career with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era until Novak Djokovic surpassed her in 2023. She also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Venus and spent 319 weeks as the WTA’s World No. 1. Add to that her Olympic gold medals, career Grand Slam in both singles and doubles, and influence off the court.
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Kuznetsova’s Achievements
Svetlana Kuznetsova’s career remains a standout in the modern era. Her breakthrough came at the 2004 US Open, where she became the third Russian woman to win a Grand Slam. Five years later, she claimed her second major at Roland Garros, defeating then-World No. 1 Dinara Safina in straight sets.
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She also reached two other Grand Slam finals, the 2006 French Open and 2007 US Open, losing both to Justine Henin. In doubles, Kuznetsova’s versatility shone through with titles at the 2005 and 2012 Australian Open. Her combination of baseline power, quickness, and adaptability made her a consistent force on tour for over a decade.
