‘Physique and athleticism inspired confidence in her’: Todd Martin on Serena Williams

Two-time Grand Slam finalist Todd Martin praised Serena Williams for her incredible athleticism and unparalleled competitive drive.

Martin was speaking to Sky Sports to celebrate Black History Month in the UK. Martin, 53, was once ranked No. 4 in the world and has won eight professional singles titles on the ATP Tour. Over his 14-year career, he earned just over $8 million in bonuses.

Although he retired from professional tennis in 2004, not long after Serena Williams rose to fame, he said his compatriot deserves all the praise and respect for her impressive tennis achievements. Serena is considered one of the greatest players in tennis history.

When she announced her decision to retire from tennis last summer, she had won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the second-most among women, in addition to numerous tennis milestones and trophies. Martin said it’s not just her exceptional skills that set her apart on the field, but her competitive drive that inspires confidence in her.

“A lot of Serena’s success came after I was no longer in the locker room, but I think the respect from all over the world and what she accomplished in tennis.”

“Her physical ability and athleticism, I have a hard time imagining anyone else who has shown the competitiveness that Serena has shown over the years. That combination can’t help but inspire confidence in her.”

Martin then acknowledged Serena’s parents’ trend-setting vision for herself and her sister, Venus Williams. The 53-year-old likened the continued level of success of the two darlings of women’s tennis to “a story made for the movies”.

“Her parents had an amazing vision to develop a life beyond the girl’s birth and see it all the way through, a goal that could only be achieved through extraordinary ambition and dedicated development.”

“To have that feeling continue into their adulthood – it’s obviously a story that was made into a movie, but it’s a story that was made for a movie.”