INTRODUCTION Billie Jean King and Serena Williams are two of the best to ever set foot on a tennis court Both dominated their eras though they did so in different ways King's technical prowess made her one of the sport's most popular stars in the 1960s and 70s But Williams took an alternate route to the pinnacle of tennis setting an Open Era record with 23 Grand Slam singles titles through 2017 Who's better It's an argument without a right or wrong answer We'll tell their stories and lay out the facts
SERENA OR BILLIE JEAN YOU DECIDE
Serena Williams has used her big serve to become one of the top women's tennis players of all time
CHAPTER 1 SERVING Serena Williams might be the most powerful player in the history of women's tennis Her amazing strength especially helps her dominate opponents with her serve For proof look no further than the final of the 2013 French Open Williams crushed three aces past Maria Sharapova in the last game to win the title The first was 118 miles per hour 190 km h The second was 121 mph 195 km h The third ace was a thing of beauty Williams tossed the ball up on match point She reached high and slammed downward with her racket The ball sizzled over the net and down the T at a flaming 123 mph 198 km h It flew by Sharapova so quickly she did not even bother reaching for it The title belonged to Williams Williams's outstanding serve starts with a consistent toss Then she leans forward and bends her legs to load up the considerable energy she has in her powerful frame She explodes upward
