Serena Williams has produced plenty of outstanding performances in her career but Rennae Stubbs has named the one she thinks is the best.
For over 25 years, the American broke multiple records in tennis and set a new standard with her electrifying game.
She claimed 23 Grand Slam titles and blazed a trail in the sport the likes of which had never been seen before.
Two years after her emotional tennis farewell at the US Open, her former coach Rennae Stubbs selected Williams’ best ever tennis performance.
Serena Williams’ journey to tennis stardom was unlike any other. She and her sister Venus were introduced to tennis by their father, Richard Williams, who believed from the beginning that his daughters could conquer the tennis world. Starting on the public courts of Compton, California, Serena honed her skills in an environment far removed from the elite world of professional tennis. The combination of her father’s relentless training regimen and her own tenacious spirit paved the way for Serena’s remarkable career, shaping her into a fearless competitor who would redefine what it meant to be a champion.
Serena’s journey from a young tennis prodigy to one of the most dominant figures in the sport involved breaking numerous records, facing setbacks, and overcoming adversities both on and off the court. Her record 23 Grand Slam singles titles place her second only to Margaret Court, though many argue that Serena faced far stiffer competition in her era. Williams’ list of achievements includes multiple Olympic gold medals, 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Venus, and an astonishing 319 weeks at the world No. 1 ranking.
Beyond numbers, Serena redefined the sport with her style and intensity. Her powerful serves and aggressive baseline play brought a new dimension to women’s tennis, inspiring a generation of players. Her impact is felt far beyond the game itself, as she championed issues of equality, body positivity, and representation. Serena’s resilience also set her apart, as she bounced back from injuries, complicated surgeries, and a life-threatening pulmonary embolism after the birth of her daughter in 2017.
In a career as illustrious as Serena’s, it’s hard to pinpoint one single match or moment that encapsulates her greatness. Yet Rennae Stubbs, who worked with Serena during the later stages of her career, singled out her performance in the 2012 Wimbledon final as Serena’s best ever. In that match, Serena faced Agnieszka Radwańska in a battle that exemplified her power, determination, and strategic intelligence. The match was a demonstration of Serena’s skill, as she used her powerful serves and groundstrokes to dominate the early stages, but also showed her ability to adapt and fight through challenging moments.
Stubbs noted that this match epitomized Serena’s resilience, especially considering that she was coming back from a series of health issues. Before Wimbledon 2012, Serena had suffered a foot injury that sidelined her for months, followed by a life-threatening blood clot that nearly ended her career. Her victory at Wimbledon was as much a testament to her physical prowess as to her unbreakable will to win. Williams won the final 6-1, 5-7, 6-2, clinching her fifth Wimbledon title and signaling to the world that she was back.
Stubbs’ praise of this particular performance stems from the perfect blend of power, precision, and mental toughness that Serena displayed throughout the match. Serena’s serve in that final was almost untouchable, clocking speeds that rivaled the men’s game. She hit a record 102 aces over the course of the tournament, an accomplishment that underscored her unique skill set in a sport where men’s power has traditionally been seen as superior.
Her incredible accuracy during this match was remarkable. Serena placed her shots with such precision that it left Radwańska scrambling, often forced to make unforced errors. The pace and accuracy of Serena’s shots reflected her elite status. Stubbs highlights this match as a showcase of Serena’s game at its peak — her power, her mental focus, and her adaptability all working in perfect harmony.
While Stubbs may have highlighted the 2012 Wimbledon final as Serena’s finest, there are many other performances that could easily be contenders for the title. Her epic 2003 Australian Open victory marked her completion of the “Serena Slam,” holding all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously. Then, in 2017, Serena made history by winning the Australian Open while she was two months pregnant with her daughter, Olympia. Her 2005 Australian Open final against Lindsay Davenport and the 1999 US Open final against Martina Hingis, which was her first Grand Slam title, also hold iconic status in tennis history.
Each of these performances tells the story of a player who consistently defied expectations. Time and again, Serena faced formidable opponents and played through physically grueling matches, proving her dedication to a sport that she had dominated for over two decades.
Serena’s career has had a lasting impact on tennis and on sports in general. She became a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide, especially for young Black girls who saw in her an example of how to succeed despite adversity. Her influence extends beyond her records; it’s in her advocacy for equal pay, her fight for maternal rights, and her emphasis on mental health and self-care.
After her retirement in 2022, Serena has continued to inspire through various ventures, including her Serena Ventures firm, which focuses on supporting diverse entrepreneurs. She has also spoken candidly about the mental and physical toll that comes with a career at the top level, pushing for more support systems for athletes dealing with similar challenges.
Rennae Stubbs’ assessment of Serena Williams’ best performance underscores the unique place Serena holds in tennis history. Her ability to excel in high-stakes matches, as seen in the 2012 Wimbledon final, is just one example of her exceptional talent and determination. Serena’s career is a testament to the idea that true greatness in sports transcends mere numbers and records. It’s about inspiring others, overcoming setbacks, and showing the world what it means to be a champion.
As Serena’s legacy continues to grow, her impact on future generations of tennis players and sports fans is undeniable. The 2012 Wimbledon final may stand as her best performance in Stubbs’ eyes, but in reality, Serena Williams’ entire career has been an extraordinary performance — a masterclass in greatness that the world will remember for generations to come.