Steffi Graf and Serena Williams are two tennis legends who have defined the female tennis realm. While on the one hand, they have the utmost respect and admiration for each other, at one point, they were also each other’s biggest nemesis. Graf was someone who had established her name on the tennis court when Williams arrived. Even after facing a defeat at the Australian Open in 1999, Williams was not ready to get intimidated by the German tennis legend. And that led her to secure a jaw-dropping victory over Graf at the Indian Wells in 1999.

A young blood and passion for the sport, Williams knew that a weak mentality would not get her anywhere. Her father, Richard Williams, always led her to believe she was the best. That’s why, she embodied that before facing Graf once again.

Serena Williams was ready to face Steffi Graf head-on even after a defeat

The 23-time Grand Slam champion did not know at that point that she would defeat the record of singles major titles later in her career. But she knew that no matter how great of a champion Graf was at that point, she would not back down.

After suffering a disheartening defeat at the Australian Open, the same year, Williams was ready for yet another challenge in 1999. While she was getting ready to have a face-off with Graf at the Indian Wells, she was all relaxed. While getting her manicure, as she was reaching for her retainers, she cooly brushed off any nervousness if she had any. Apparently, there wasn’t any; as she said, “No, I’m not intimidated by Steffi. I’ve never been intimidated by anyone, and unless I’m across the net from someone who’s 10 feet tall and green, I won’t be.”

Though bullied a lot of times for her physique, Williams knew her strengths. Highlighting that, she also said, “On the other hand, because of my size and skills, I can intimidate anyone,” she said in an interview with Vault. So, instead of getting intimidated, she was all ready to let Graf know she is the challenge, and she delivered. Williams eventually defeated Graf in the finals of the Indian Wells in 1999.

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However, that does not mean that Williams had any beef against her. Williams has always admired Graf, and she aimed to become as great as her, or even more than her.

Williams quoted Graf to define her place in the history

The 23-time Grand Slam champion’s record of Grand Slams grew with her experience. And when she reached the count of 18, Evert once asked about her place in history.

To this Williams had a befitting reply. She stated she knew that she had done something only Steffi Graf had done when she won four Grand Slam titles in one go. This was the defining moment for her. Moreover, in the future, she wanted to go beyond Graf’s record.

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That’s what she did. Last year, Williams retired with 23 Grand Slam titles under her name, leaving Graf behind with one major title.