Steffi Graf - More shots, Overall Better Movement (than Serena Williams)

In this match, Steffi shows more variety and a higher top speed than Serena showed at age 29, let alone now. But the one thing that stands out above all else is how much better Steffi's movement is than Serena's. Serena often stumbles when she has to come to a sudden stop or make a sudden change of direction. Steffi never did. Steffi's footwork and balance at top speed were impeccable. See here how balanced she is as she gets to the dropshot. Hong Kong 1999.

[@angelflorespacheco8992]

Steffi Graf , the best! forever!

[@CeartGoLeor86]

Interesting comment. Then again clay's the slowest surface and I think that's where Graf would have had the biggest advantage against Serena. Other than Justine Henin, there hasn't really been a stand out clay-courter in recent years. But, in the Steffi's prime era from 87-96 most of the best WTA players were very strong on clay. Graf, Seles, Sanchez-Vicario, Sabatini, Pierce, Martinez, MJ Fernandez, Capriati (and Evert up to 89). For me, the late 80s and 90s were the best era in women's tennis

[@MadanRajaRock]

I agree about her advantage on clay. She may well have piled up an even bigger mountain of RG titles, hard as it seems to believe that possible. Henin was the only truly amazing clay court player in the last decade, which is ironic again because she is also one of the most aggressive, tactically, getting in very quickly to volley. Sara Errani and Schiavone are probably the only remaining clay court specialists of repute and they don't have a big game to overcome power hitters.

[@MadanRajaRock]

This in a way highlights the changes in tennis since the 90s. On the slower courts of today, Serena's DBH would give her an advantage while Graf's quick movement wouldn't matter as much as it did then. It is funny that this argument is often used to discredit Graf (while in the men's circuit, it is used in favour of Sampras)! But I still don't find women hitting as many high balls with heavy topspin as the men, so the lack of a double backhand wouldn't hurt Graf as much as it does Fed.