"I don't think we've seen a better athlete in women's tennis." Is @CocoGauff the best athlete in the history of the WTA? @_markpetchey thinks so. Here's why ➡️ link.chtbl.com/wwCNYXe5?sid=T…
"I think she's the best women's athlete to ever play tennis": Petchey makes bold claim surrounding Gauff as tennis fans react
WTASaturday, 30 September 2023 at 03:30
Tennis fans were quick to fire back at former tennis player Mark Petchey, who stated that he believes American tennis phenom Coco Gauff was the best athlete to ever play women's tennis.
Gauff defeated World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the 2023 US Open to win her maiden Grand Slam title, becoming the youngest player at age 19 to win the trophy since compatriot Serena Williams achieved that feat in 1999, at just 18 years of age.
Petchey labels Gauff as best ever female tennis athlete, fans react
During a recent episode of the Inside-In Podcast, Petchey claimed Gauff's success was partly due to the fact that the youngster was the most athletic female to ever play tennis.
"It's gonna be up to other players on the tour to kinda counter the way that she’s moving the ball around, particularly on the forehand side," said the former British star. "I don’t know – I don’t think we’ve seen a better athlete in women’s tennis.
"That’s something else that’s gonna be a problem for that lot of the players out there, and plus the pressure’s off. I think she’s the best women’s athlete to ever play tennis."
Several tennis fans took offense to the statement, with many pointing out that 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams was the better athlete in her prime.
"Imagine Serena existing and saying this , like my gosh how offensive," wrote one user on Twitter.
"Yes we have," wrote a user, accompanied by a photo of a younger Serena Williams.
"I don't think we've seen a worse take in sports journalism history," wrote another user.
"Has Coco Gauff improved her game after the new coach, yes. Has she won a GS, yes. Is she on top of the bunch, absolutely not. And to say she’s the best athlete in the history of the WTA is going a little too further in the praising," said another user.
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