Two of the greatest tennis players of all time recently retired. Serena Williams and Roger Federer both have decided that it’s time for them to step away from the tennis court. These two athletes dominated their respective divisions for years.
Serena Williams started playing professional tennis in 1995, and in 1999 she won her first major at the US Open. Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam champion, which is the most in the Open Era and second all time, with only Margaret Court having more. Williams’ single record is 858-156, with a stunning 84.6 winning percentage. Williams was also ranked as the number one tennis player for 319 weeks, including a consecutive 186 weeks.
Williams also played doubles in her career with her sister Venus Williams, and they won 14 career Grand Slams championships together.
Williams is the highest-earning woman athlete of all time. She is an inspiration to female athletes all over the world because of what she was able to accomplish.
Roger Federer dominated the men’s division for a long time. Federer won his first major tournament at Wimbledon in 2003. He is a 20-time Grand Slam champion.
Federer played tennis at a time when two other players were just as dominant as he – Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – which earned them the nickname “The Big Three.” Federer’s single record is 1,251-275 with an 82 winning percentage.
Troy Walker, intramural director and a professor who teaches Basic Tennis, had a few things to say about Williams and Federer.
“Roger Federer was my favorite tennis player. He was always so exciting to watch and he made me want to just go out and play tennis,” said Walker. “Serena Williams was an inspiration for American athletes, and she helped tennis become more relevant in America. Every class I have taught, I have used both of these athletes as examples for my tennis class because of their impact on the sport.”
These two tennis players changed the sport and left a legacy behind. They will be missed on the tennis court.
