Serena Williams Return To Tennis Challenges Aryna Sabalenka's Dominance
Key takeaways
- Sports Money Serena Williams’ Return To Tennis Challenges Aryna Sabalenka's Dominance By Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
- Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
- Serena Williams of the US (L) speaks with Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka after victory during their women's singles match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 14, 2021.
Sports Money Serena Williams’ Return To Tennis Challenges Aryna Sabalenka's Dominance By Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Merlisa Lawrence Corbett is an award-winning journalist and author.Follow Author Jun 24, 2026, 04:51pm EDTJun 24, 2026, 05:17pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Summary Serena Williams' return to tennis has reignited discussions comparing her legacy to current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka has held the top spot for 96 weeks, recently achieving the Sunshine Double, a milestone Serena never reached. While Williams boasts an Open Era record 23 Major titles across all surfaces, Sabalenka currently holds four, exclusively on hard courts, though she did match Serena's 2014 US Open defense in 2025. The article also highlights their contrasting on-court fashion, with Serena's iconic custom designs versus Sabalenka's more standard attire, despite her expressed desire for unique kits. As Sabalenka solidifies her dominance, questions about her potential GOAT status continue to emerge.
Serena Williams of the US (L) speaks with Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka after victory during their women's singles match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 14, 2021. (Photo by David Gray / AFP via Getty Images) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE —AFP via Getty ImagesWhen Serena Williams accepted a wildcard to play doubles with sister Venus at Wimbledon, her return to tennis felt more like a novelty and a well-received jolt to the game. Now that she’s entering the Wimbledon singles draw, Serena’s legacy and the credibility of women's tennis are on the line.