Steffi was a ‘better player’ than Serena

MARGARET Court rates Steffi Graf — not Serena Williams — as the greatest player she has either seen or played.

Court has Graf at the head of her list of top-10 all-time greats.

Williams comes in at No.2. Court’s greatest on-court rival — and most vehement critic — Billie-Jean King is at No.3 with Martina Navratilova at No.4.

Court does not believe the number of majors won is the ultimate and only guide to greatness, acknowledging individual subjectivity plays a part in her selection.

“They’re all great champions,” she said of a list which also includes Chris Evert, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Monica Seles, Maria Bueno, Justine Henin and Venus Williams.

“But I always thought Steffi

was the best. She was my favourite. She won the grand slam in 1988 [Australian, French, Wimbledon and US Open] and I always loved watching her because of her athleticism and style. She was one of the best athletes I had seen.

“And then Serena [Williams], of course. Her record speaks for itself and her serve is incredible.

“She has got a wonderful serve and it’s different to Billie Jean’s.

“Billie Jean placed very well. She didn’t have a lot of power, but she was a great volleyer.”

Court says King and Williams share a common trait.

“Like Serena, Billie Jean had a lot of young players beaten before they went on court,” she said.

“Serena does that to her opponents, too. Serena has more power, but Billie had incredible control and the ability to move players around.

“She was a great competitor.”

Court admired Navratilova and Evert for contrasting styles and achievements, while Bueno and Goolagong Cawley were among the most graceful players she had seen.

Venus Williams, Seles and Henin, along with Serena Williams, were among the contemporary players to impress Court as enduring champions.