Serena Williams Happy To Join Federer, Nadal In Tennis GOAT Debate

Serena Williams is happy to be part of the debate for who the greatest player of all time (GOAT) is in the sport of tennis.

Williams is already regarded by many as the GOAT when it comes to the women's circuit. But when it comes to the entire sport, the usual contenders are Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal, while many have Novak Djokovic in the argument as well.

Williams, though, could further solidify her claim as the unanimous GOAT this weekend when she takes on Naomi Osaka in the US Open final.

Should the American win, she will notably equal Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slams. The feat is potentially even more impressive considering Williams only returned to the sport from maternity leave in March.

Asked about what the unofficial accolade meant to her following her semifinal win over Anastasija Sevastova, the 36-year-old replied: "After tonight, I would say that the word 'GOAT' means a lot to me."

"They've been using it a lot with me and Roger, Rafa, a lot of people. I'm just happy to be a part of the conversation," Williams added.

Federer for one, believes irrespective of gender, Williams is one of the, if not the greatest players of all time.

"[Williams’ career] has been fascinating to watch," Federer revealed in an interview in May. "She had a totally different upbringing — I came up through Switzerland with the federation, she did it with her dad and her sister."

"It’s an amazing story unto itself — and then she became one of the greatest, if not the greatest tennis player of all time."

Williams was surprised by Federer's comments and responded in July, stating she felt the same way about him.

"Honestly, I was surprised," Williams said. "I feel the same way about him. I think he’s clearly, you know, the greatest player. I mean, if you go by numbers, it’s men’s and women’s, it’s different. … But I always try to get rid of those, the stigma of men and women. I just feel like he’s such a great player and also an incredible, humble human being, which obviously shows. It continues to show throughout the years."

As for Nadal, the Spaniard recently claimed Williams was the best player he had ever seen on the women's circuit.

"Of course, Serena is, yeah, probably the best player that I ever seen on a tennis court on the women tour," Nadal said during a US Open press conference. "Well, I saw Steffi [Graff], too. I liked a lot Steffi, too, when I was a kid. But both of them have been great."

"And, yeah, it is good to have somebody like her [Williams] playing at this age, after being [a] mother. I think well done for her, because that demonstrates the passion she has for the sport," he added.

Williams takes on Osaka in the US Open final on Saturday at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Having lost the Wimbledon final in July to Angelique Kerber, she will be even more focused on not blowing her chance at history.