World No. 4 Paula Badosa has picked Serena Williams as the best tennis player of all time.
The LTA held a conversation with Badosa, during which they asked the Spaniard several questions.
One of the questions Badosa received was to pick the best player of all time.
“Serena Williams,” Badosa answered.
Mr & Mrs Smith… @serenawilliams… & Madrid š¤
Finish the sentence with @paulabadosa#PlayYourWay pic.twitter.com/fNAF0UASyb
ā LTA (@the_LTA) July 30, 2022
Badosa didn’t want to play Williams
After sustaining a serious leg injury at 2021 Wimbleodn, Williams spent the next 12 months sidelined.
Two weeks before Wimbledon, Williams took to Instagram to announce that she would compete at Wimbledon.
The general reaction was positive as many former and current players were just thrilled to see Williams returning to action.
When Badosa was asked about Williams’ return, she called her an “inspiration.”
“I think it surprised everyone,” Badosa said at Wimbledon, “But itās very good to have her back, and it really amazed me how she had all this hunger for the game and still has it. I think it is a great inspiration. I hope she can be back for much more time, because I think she does very good for tennis.”
Since Williams received a main draw wildcard into Wimbledon, there was a chance of seeing her clash a top player in the first round.
When Badosa was asked about the possibility of playing Williams in the Wimbledon first round, she admitted she didn’t want that to happen.
“Of course I don’t want to play against her. I hope the draw goes for another player, because of course no one wants to play against Serena and less on grass. So let’s pray for that,” Badosa said.
Meanwhile, Williams is preparing to compete at the US Open as well.
Badosa didn’t meet Williams at Wimbledon but there is a chance she gets to clash the American at the US Open.
Badosa and Williams have never clashed and it will be interesting to see if Badosa gets a chance to play the American before she retires.