Serena Williams urged to prove she is the greatest by Billie Jean King

09 July 2016 04:23

Billie Jean King has urged Serena Williams to prove she is the greatest women's player of all-time by going on to pass Margaret Court's record of 24 grand slam singles titles.

A 22nd slam success at Wimbledon on Saturday moved Williams level with Steffi Graf on the open era list, which takes into account only victories since the professional era at the majors began in 1968.

Australian Margaret Court's career spanned both the amateur and open eras, and she landed 24 grand slams, setting the benchmark by which every other great champion is judged.

King , who won six Wimbledon singles titles from 1966 to 1975, was hugely impressed by Williams as she saw off Angelique Kerber to take the Wimbledon title for a seventh time.

"Didn't Stefanie Graf win seven, and she also holds 22, so she's right in line with Stefanie," King said on BBC One. "Margaret's got 24. So if she can keep her motivation and stay healthy maybe she'll be our greatest ever.

"I think she should be, I think she is, but she still has to prove it. I think she should go on to win more."

King felt Williams " looked depressed" earlier in the year, as her form fell marginally below her highest standards.

Before Wimbledon she had lost in the finals of the Australian Open and French Open, to Kerber and Garbine Muguruza respectively.

"She's definitely happier coming into Wimbledon, I could tell before the tournament," said King. " You could just tell she was better."

King said Williams possessed "the most beautiful serve ever" and added: " I always talk about how the head, the heart and the guts have to be together to make greatness and that's what Serena has.

"You can find lots of terrific physical athletes - you can find tons - but if they don't have it emotionally and mentally they're not going to make it.

"She hates losing and I love that fact: that's what makes her so great."

Source: PA