Tributes to living legend Serena

Chris Evert on ESPN

“On the courts, it’s obvious, there is his power, his mental resistance. But what really impressed me was her fearlessness. She never set limits in tennis or in life. I would put her right up there, because she revolutionized the game and also for the influence she had on women and people around the world. (…) He is a superstar. What impresses me the most is her impact off the court and how she has inspired young women to use their power, to speak their minds, to not be afraid”.

John McEnroe on ESPN

“She placed herself in the pantheon, alongside Billie Jean King, Mohamed Ali, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady. That’s where she is. She has become the icon of icons. She took it to the next level because she had the best serve ever, better than a lot of guys. I would compare her, in a way, to (NBA) basketball player Stephen Curry, for the way she changed things. Everyone makes 3-point shots, but no one does it as well as him

Iga Swiatek, world number one

“I’m quite shy, so in his presence I’m like a kid in kindergarten. I’d love to, if only to see what it’s like to face him on the other side of the net (…)” When you look at her legacy, if only in numbers, everything she has done, on and off the pitch, the superstar that she is, the businesswoman, but also an upstart mother then to play in four Grand Slam finals… It’s incredible. I don’t think anyone will be able to do the same.”

Coco Gauff, world number 11

“The imprint she leaves with her career is something no other player can possibly hope to achieve. It is something that can inspire many generations to come. (…) I grew up watching her play, she is the reason why I play tennis. (…) I admire the way in which she imposed herself in a sport where whites are predominant. Before Serena arrived, there wasn’t really an icon that looked like me. She helped me not to feel different because growing up the best player in the world was someone like me. I’m kind of sad because I always wanted to play against her. (…) She had always been playing, all my life. The first time I saw Serena I must have been nine years old. It was for an ad for Delta. They were looking for a little girl who could play the role of young Serena. I don’t think they ever used the images, but still, it was my first time getting a check. Serena doesn’t know it, but the first time I made money in my life was because of her (laughs).

Emma Raducanu world number 10 and defending champion at the US Open

“She has clearly revolutionized the game. To dominate to this extent… There is no one else to have dominated to this extent in women’s tennis. (…) His career is incredible. She has accomplished so much. (…) This longevity is something that many players, me in particular, hope to achieve. Being in front of her the other day (in Cincinnati, editor’s note), it was crazy. I tried not to think about who was on the other side of the net because otherwise I knew I was going to lose my mind. I thought, ‘Look at the ball, don’t worry about anything else.’ But it was quite a challenge.”

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Naomi Osaka, at a press conference

“His legacy is so important that it cannot be put into words. She completely changed the sport. She got people interested in tennis who had never heard of it before. I myself am a product of this heritage. I wouldn’t be here without Serena, without Venus, without this whole family. I think she is the most important character in this sport. This is not to minimize the importance of Federer, or Nadal. But I really think she’s the strongest figure. Just seeing her play is an honor. His influence goes beyond tennis. She had to break down a lot of barriers. Because she broke them, we can move forward much more easily today. »

Read alsoSerena Williams: an incredible career in numbers

Daniil Medvedev, world number 1

“Every time I meet her, she has this energy that emanates from her, this legendary energy and I imagine that it must not always be easy to live with that. His legacy will be immense. I’m sure 100 years from now we’ll still be talking about Serena Williams. »

Rafael Nadal, world number 3

“I think of her as an overall athlete, not just as a tennis player, and she is one of the most important athletes in the history of the sport. If we stick to tennis, it’s a great loss to see her go. I hope that somehow she stays close to tennis. It would be good for our sport. It’s a legend. »

Tiger Woods, golf legend: “You are the greatest on and off the courts. Thank you for inspiring us all to pursue our dreams. I love you my little sister !!!!!!”

LeBron Jamesbasketball superstar, four-time NBA champion

“It has been an honor to follow your journey. I just want to thank you for being this source of inspiration for so many people”.

Magic Johnsonbasketball and NBA legend

“Bravo Serena for your inspiring career! I remember when you were talking about becoming an entrepreneur. Now I can’t wait to see you grow in business!”

Michael Phelpsmultiple gold medalist in swimming at the Olympic Games

“It was really cool to see how Serena not only changed tennis but, more importantly, how she helped empower the next generation. Her achievements in tennis are one thing, but one of the things I admire most about her is that she never gives up, on and off the court.

Billie Jean Kingformer tennis champion and gender equality activist
“His incredible career marked the history of tennis. And yet, his greatest contributions may be yet to come. Thank you, Serena Williams. Your journey continues”.

Andy Roddickformer US Open winner
“I love you Serena Williams. It has been the pleasure of a lifetime to see you become what you are. I can’t wait to see what you do next. Thanks my old friend.

NikeSerena’s equipment partner and supplier of her latest stage outfit, designed by designer Virgil Abloh

“Sometimes you just have to be yourself to change the world. Thank you Serena for transforming tennis for so many people.

Oprah WinfreyAfrican-American television star

“25 years. Champion. Heroin. Legend forever!”

michelle obamaformer First Lady of the United States

“Congratulations on your incredible career, Serena Williams! How lucky we were to watch a young girl from Compton grow into one of the greatest sportswomen of all time. I am proud of you, my friend, and I look forward to seeing the lives you will continue to transform with your talents.”