Graf backs Williams to surpass Court’s Grand Slam record

Serena Williams will eventually overtake Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles even if the American fails to equal the mark at the ongoing Australian Open, according to former world number one, Steffi Graf.
Williams was eight weeks pregnant when she captured her 23rd Grand Slam trophy at Melbourne in 2017, but missed opportunities to equal Australian Court on her return from maternity leave.
She lost in the final of Wimbledon and the US Open last year.
“I don’t know if she can do it here (equal the record) but I believe she can absolutely,” Graf, who won 22 majors in her career, told Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper.
Graf added: “Her game, her serve is such an incredible weapon. I think she, at any time, is dangerous.
“With the experience she’s had, she’s still so determined, and if she enjoys it why not? If her body holds up I do believe she has a big chance (to pass Court).”
Court won 13 of her 24 Grand Slams before the women’s game became fully professional in 1968.
Graf acknowledged Williams had achieved her success in the more competitive Open era and said she would eventually finish her career as the game’s greatest player.
Graf said: “I’d probably say, with the career she’s had,  she’s not even finished at this point; then yes, I’d say so.”