American tennis has produced a long list of champions. From legends like Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and Chris Evert to the Williams sisters, the country has seen dominant players in every era. The new generation, led by Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Taylor Fritz, is carrying that legacy forward. When it comes to the greatest of all time, Pegula has a clear answer.
In a conversation with reporters during the 2023 WTA Finals in Cancun, Pegula made her stance on Serena Williams clear. “Again, comparing to Serena’s a big feat. I don’t think anyone is like Serena. I think Serena’s her own person. I think she’s the GOAT, or whatever you want to say,” she said. “I don’t think it’s possible to fill those shoes, probably ever,” she said.
Pegula also spoke about Coco Gauff’s role in the future of America’s tennis, after Williams’ retirement in 2022. “I think Coco is the present and the future. I think she’s still gonna have a long way to grow and get better in the sport. As long as she’s healthy and she’s competing, she’s gonna be battling for titles for many more years to come. Much more years than me,” she explained.
Serena Williams’ GOAT credentials
Williams’ records support Pegula’s claim. She won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any female player in the Open Era. Only Novak Djokovic, with 24, has won more. Her dominance extended beyond the majors, as she spent 319 weeks as world No. 1, including a streak of 186 consecutive weeks, matching Steffi Graf’s record.
Serena Williams after winning the 2014 US Open (Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Her achievements in doubles are equally impressive. Alongside Venus Williams, she won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and secured three Olympic gold medals in the discipline. She also claimed an Olympic gold medal in singles, making her the only tennis player to achieve a career Golden Slam in both categories. In total, she won 73 WTA singles titles, including five WTA Finals trophies.
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Pegula’s career highlights
Pegula has been one of the most consistent players on tour in recent years. She reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3 in singles in 2022 and became the top-ranked doubles player in 2023. She has won seven singles and seven doubles titles on the WTA Tour, including three WTA 1000 singles titles and two in doubles.
Her best results in Grand Slams include a singles final appearance at the 2024 US Open and a doubles final at the 2022 French Open, where she partnered with Gauff. In mixed doubles, she reached the 2023 US Open final with Austin Krajicek.
