Aryna Sabalenka may hold two of this year’s Grand Slams, but Serena Williams still reigns supreme in tennis’ all-time category.

Sabalenka has now won three Grand Slam titles after her US Open victory

Sporting legend John McEnroe has pinpointed a crucial difference between newly-crowned US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and the retired icon, Serena Williams.

Sabalenka celebrated her third Grand Slam title with a stunning 7-5, 7-5 victory over American Jessica Pegula in Flushing Meadows, showcasing her undeniable strengths throughout the tournament. Known for her powerful playing style, the Belarusian took it up a notch in New York, clocking an average topspin forehand speed of 129 km/h—the highest in the entire event. Remarkably, this statistic placed her ahead of tennis giants Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and tournament champion Jannik Sinner.

However, McEnroe believes that, in her prime, Williams—a fierce striker of the ball—would have had the upper hand over Sabalenka. Speaking at a Eurosport event before the women’s final, he compared the two athletes and emphasized where he thinks the all-time great would excel over the current world number two.

John McEnroe is convinced Williams would still have the edge over fellow hard-hitter Sabalenka

The seven-time major winner stated, “These are two of the biggest hitters ever in women’s tennis. While Sabalenka has improved her movement, I don’t think she is as athletic as Serena at their best. But she is getting closer.”

McEnroe expressed immense respect for Sabalenka, praising her ability to maximize her potential on the court, which has led to her recent success in major tournaments.

Regarded by many as the greatest female tennis player of all time, Williams secured 23 Grand Slam titles during her illustrious career and is credited with ushering in a new era of athleticism in women’s tennis. Before her retirement at the 2022 US Open, she triumphed in her only professional match against Sabalenka at the 2021 Australian Open.

As the tennis world continues to evolve, the comparison between these two powerhouses remains a captivating topic, highlighting the rich history and future potential of women’s tennis.

Serena Williams called time on her 27-year career at the 2022 US Open

Aryna Sabalenka is averaging the fastest forehand speed at the #USOpen… of all women 𝐚𝐧𝐝 men 💪💥 pic.twitter.com/T9o4PhlG5B

— Eurosport (@eurosport) September 6, 2024

Then aged 23, Sabalenka has enjoyed an impressive rise in the three years since.

After winning her first Grand Slam at the 2023 Australian Open, she followed this up with a second major trophy when she successfully defended her title against Zheng Qinwen in this year’s final in Melbourne.

Meanwhile her latest success over home favourite Pegula in the Arthur Ashe Stadium has allowed her to banish some past demons.

In the 2023 title decider, Sabalenka was beaten by another American, Coco Gauff 2-6 6-3 6-2, and she shared her delight at bouncing back from the disappointment in this year’s event.

Speaking after her victory, the 26-year-old said: “I’m speechless right now, because so many times I was so close to getting the US Open title.

“It’s a dream of mine, and finally I’ve got this beautiful trophy.”

Having let a 3-0 lead slip in the second set against Pegula, she admitted to being relieved when she was able to survive a spirited fightback from her opponent to clinch a hard-fought victory.

Sabalenka suffered heartbreak in the US Open final in 2023

Sabalenka continued: “That second set, I was literally praying to get this win. It means a lot.”I remember all those tough losses in the past here. I’m just super proud of myself, and I never say that, but I am. I’m super proud of myself and my team.

“No matter what situations we were faced this season and in the past, we were able to go through it and get these beautiful trophies.”

With all of the year’s Grand Slam titles accounted for, Sabalenka will now set her sights on finishing 2024 as the world number one, where she faces a battle with Iga Swiatek for top spot, who currently occupies first place in the WTA rankings.