“Imagine Serena Williams existing and saying this”

Modified at 08:56 GMT on September 29, 2023

Former tennis player Mark Petchey’s recent statement that Coco Gauff is the best player to ever play women’s tennis has not gone down well with fans around the world.

Gauff defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final at the 2023 US Open to capture her first Grand Slam title. Earlier in September, she came from behind to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 in two hours and six minutes.

The 19-year-old became the youngest player to win the trophy at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams. In 1999, at the age of 18, Williams defeated Martina Hingis 6-3, 7-6(4) in the championship match to win the championship.

Later, Mark Petchey from within podcast:

“It’s going to be up to other players on tour to counter the way she moves the ball, especially on the forehand. I don’t know – I don’t think we’ve seen a better player in women’s tennis”

“It’s a problem for a lot of players and the pressure is off. I think she’s the best women’s tennis player of all time,” the Briton added.

Tennis fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their displeasure with Petchey’s comments. One user found it “offensive” to call Coco Gauff the best female tennis player, especially when a 23-time Grand Slam champion like Serena Williams exists.

“Imagine Serena existing and saying something like this, oh my god how offensive is that,” the user wrote.

Another user tweeted:

“Has Coco Gauff raised her game after the new coach came in, yes. Did she win the GS, yes. Is she at the top of the bunch, absolutely not. If she’s the best player in WTA history The best athletes, that’s when the praise goes no further.”

1 account posted:

“I don’t think we’ve seen anything worse in the history of sports journalism.”

Here are more reactions from tennis fans:

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Coco Gauff doesn’t want to be compared to Serena Williams

Coco Gauff interviewed ESPN She said during the 2023 US Open that she would never compare herself to her legendary compatriot Serena Williams, whom she considers to be the greatest of all time.

“I don’t think I can lead U.S. tennis. I don’t think I will. We have a lot of compatriots who are doing great things. Serena is Serena. She’s the GOAT. I wish I could do half of what she did but I don’t compare myself to her,” she said.

The world number three also said her only regret for the rest of her life is not being able to play against the now-retired Williams, adding that she was “delighted” to be part of the 42-year-old team . Lao Lao’s legacy.

“She’s someone I respect. Being on the same stat line with her means a lot to me. She’s my idol. My only regret for the rest of my life is not being able to play against her,” Coco Gauff said.

“There were a lot of games where if we had won the extra round and not lost, I would have played against her. I’m still happy to be a product of her legacy,” she added.

After a successful performance at the New York Grand Slam, Coco Gauff is currently in Beijing for the WTA 1000 China Open, which starts on Monday (October 2).