Greatest tennis player of all time: Serena Williams ranked No. 1 in our top 50 players

Our panel of experts rated Serena Williams as the greatest tennis player ever — but you disagreed. Check out who your fellow readers voted as the GOAT.

As Rafael Nadal prepares to chase history at the Australian Open this week, debate is growing about just who is the Greatest Of All Time in tennis?

To help settle the argument, News Corp polled eight writers and editors, four men and four women, to vote for their top 50 of all-time taking into account longevity, success and impact on the sport.

Recognising that greatness is more than just titles won, but how much the sport of tennis has changed with that person at the top of their game.

Now while there may be some bias towards Australian players at times, two-time grand slam champions like Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter didn’t make the final top 50.

Our experts deliberated and agonised over the list but eventually named Serena Williams as the greatest tennis player of all time.

With 23 slams to her name, Williams has had a career spanning well over two decades. Her first grand slam singles title came at the US Open in 1999 and her most recent the 2017 Australian Open which she won while 10 weeks pregnant.

Her career prizemoney earnings are estimated to be over $100m AUD.

While Williams won’t be in Melbourne to chase the elusive 24th grand slam title, she has been voted into top spot for more than just her accolades and achievements in the sport.

She is a respected businesswoman, fashion designer, mother and activist.

CHECK OUT THE TOP 50 AND VOTE FOR YOUR GOAT

Originally published as Greatest tennis player of all time: Serena Williams ranked No. 1 in our top 50 players