“Big Fan of Both”: Serena Williams Pays Tribute To Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at French Open 2020

The No.6 seed Serena Williams advanced to the second round of the French Open 2020. Williams thrashed fellow American Kristie Ahn in straight sets, handling Ahn a bagel in the second set. Williams is aiming to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles and has unfortunately lost in her last four Grand Slam final appearances.

Recently, during an interview, Serena was asked about the significance of Rafael Nadal tying Roger Federer‘s record of 20 major championships if he reigns at the French Open. Journalists questioned the American on the way it would change the men’s GOAT discussion.

Williams brushed the question aside by saying that she is a fan of both the legends and called it unfair to compare to equally skilled players.

“I think Rafa, I’m obviously a huge fan of his. I always have been. But it’s like you can’t compare two people that are equally great. Roger, I mean, he’s Roger Federer. I think that says enough,” said Williams during the interview.

Serena Williams hails Rafa and Roger

The 23-time Grand Slam champion talked about the unbelievable career of Nadal and Federer and failed to understand people’s curiosity about pitting players against each other.

“So, it’s like I don’t understand why people want to pit who’s this, who’s that? They both have spectacular careers that 99% of people can only dream of. Every single credit and every single thing that they get they absolutely deserve it. I’m a big fan of both,” Williams said on the GOAT discussion.

The American will face Tsvetana Pironkova in the second round of the French Open. The duo has played five times against each other, with Williams winning all the encounters. Pironkova last played Williams in the quarterfinals of the US Open 2020 and eventually lost in the third set.

The 39-year-old Williams has a tough route to the Roland Garros final and might face arch-rival Victoria Azarenka in the fourth round.