Tennis has served up some of the finest competitors the world has ever seen, and Venus Williams is a prime example of this dedication. With seven Grand Slam singles titles, 14 Grand Slam doubles trophies with her sister Serena, and four Olympic gold medals, she has given the sport her all. Beyond her on-court success, Venus has been a powerful advocate for gender equality and pay equity in sports. However, even after being a trailblazer, when ESPN unveiled a list of the top 100 athletes from various sporting arenas who have significantly uplifted their respective sports, her ranking shocked everyone.

Even though the former world number one might not be an active tennis player right now because of her injuries and back-and-forth struggles, she’s still formidable, as she is not retired even after being in her 40s. While considering the last 2+ decades of the 21st century, it won’t be a long shot to say that she has given a lot to the sport, without any doubt, looking into how she has no plans to retire any time soon.

ESPN just shared its list of the 100 greatest athletes of the twenty-first century, which features a wide variety of sports legends selected by ESPN experts. Venus Williams achieved a remarkable ranking of 86 among these illustrious sportsmen, underscoring her outstanding achievements in tennis and her lasting legacy in the game. But many are dissatisfied with the numbers.

Tennis fans are concerned, as she probably deserves a far higher position than 86 given her enormous effect on tennis and sports in general. In addition to being an inspiration to innumerable young athletes, Williams has been a key figure in the fight for equal pay and opportunities for women in sports.

As soon as the post was shared by ESPN, the community came forward to share the disappointment of putting the 43-year-old American tennis legend in the 86th position, sidelining her contribution to the sport.

Tennis and not happy with Venus Williams’ ranking

Many think Venus Williams’ talents and legacy should have earned her a far higher position, especially in light of her competitive triumphs and historical relevance. Looking at the post, a fan came to share his reaction to the decision to keep the seven-time Grand Slam champion on such a lower level. They wrote, “Venus at #86 is blasphemous.”

The frustration continued as another fan highlighted a common criticism of sports networks for their ranking methodologies. To emphasize that, they wrote, “ESPN with another awful list lmao.” Not only the American tennis legend, but a lot of users were also not happy with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a popular track and field athlete positioned at the 77 number.

While Connor’s ranking of 98 is somewhat unexpected, it is ludicrous that neither Fraser-Pryce nor Williams made it into the top 20. In addition to their consistent greatness and their unmatched accomplishments in their respective sports, one fan commented, “but having Venus Williams AND Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce not be AT LEAST in the top 20 is a joke.”

Subsequently, their positions seem more geared toward provoking debate than accurately reflecting their achievements, as another vented out his frustration, “Shelly Ann Fraser pryce and Venus Williams being that low is ridiculous.”

Lastly, a fan cheered up the women who have done a lot for the sport sidelining whatever, ESPN has listed on the 21st-century list. He wrote, “Designed to stir uproar…BOOO Venus, Shelly-Anne Fraser-Pryce, Rodgers, and Ronaldinho don’t belong here.”

Williams’ low ranking is plainly upsetting fans, who believe it diminishes her amazing heritage and accomplishments in tennis. Nevertheless, what are your thoughts on the same? Do let us know in the comment section below.