Serena Williams is the greatest female player of all time regardless of whether she breaks the record for grand slam victories, according to former Wimbledon champion, Marion Bartoli.
Williams is gunning for her 20th major title at the French Open next week and success would see her move to within two of Steffi Graf and four of Margaret Court’s all-time best in the list of multiple champions.
At 33 years, Williams is running out of time to write her name in the history books but Bartoli believes the American should be remembered as the greatest ever, with or without the record.
“If there is one player who can get the record, I think it is her,” said Bartoli, who won Wimbledon in 2013 and is part of ITV’s French Open coverage.
“I think Serena really wants to break the record, that’s for sure.
“It would cement her place as the greatest player of all time and I really feel that she is that. I feel that is her title.
“I don’t know if she will make it to the record but even if not, she is very much the greatest player of all time.
“If she can match that title with the most number of grand slam titles then that is only appropriate because watching her and commentating on her, that is who she is.”
Williams is the top seed and favourite at Roland Garros, despite only reaching one semi-final in Paris, when she won three years ago, since 2003.
Her chances may be hampered by an elbow injury, which forced her to withdraw from the Italian Open last week and is still causing her pain, while there is also a psychological aspect, after her shock second round defeat to Spain’s Garbine Muguruza 12 months ago.
