Barbara Schett calls Serena Williams the greatest player of all time

The former top-10 player Barbara Schett praised Serena Williams and her ability to compete at such a high level at 39, calling the American the greatest player of all time.

Serena claimed the 23rd Major title at the Australian Open 2017, gave a berth to a daughter later that year and returned to competitive tennis already next spring. In 2018 and 2019, the grand champion missed the opportunity to grab that elusive 24th Major title, losing four finals at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Serena is still motivated to chase Margaret Court's record, with the next chance coming at the Australian Open that starts on February 8. With or without the 24th crown in her cabinet, Serena is the greatest female player that has ever competed, in Schett's opinion.

"It's incredible that Serena wants to win another Major title at 39. I can't believe she is playing at such a good level at this age. It is not like she is playing a couple of rounds and bowing out. No, she is getting deep into these tournaments, and it is awe-inspiring. If someone had told me Serena and Roger Federer would still be playing and competing at the age of 39, I'd have said 'no chance.'

I retired when I was 28, and I felt I was too old, so this is incredible from these two great champions. Where does Serena get the motivation from? It is astonishing to me. I think she wants to go down as the greatest tennis player of all time, and that is why she is so keen to get this Margaret Court record. To me, she should already be remembered as the best ever. I want her to win another one now because she deserves it," Barbara Schett said.