Serena Williams expressed her admiration for German icon Steffi Graf, saying, “She was just awesome; she was one of the greatest players.”

When Williams was successfully defending her title at the 2008 Miami Open, she said these things. On her way to winning the trophy, she overcame Edina Gallovits-Hall, Flavia Pennetta, Kaia Kanepi, Justine Henin, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and Jelena Jankovic. When asked about Steffi Graf at a press conference for the WTA 1000 tournament, Serena Williams was pleasantly surprised. The American described her experience as a “dream come true” when she faced off against the German legend.

On the WTA Tour, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf squared off against one another twice. The German emerged victorious in their first encounter, which took place at the 1999 Sydney International (now called the ASB Classic). A few months later, they reunited in the Indian Wells final, where the American claimed her maiden WTA 1000 victory.

During their playing careers, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams were two of the most dominant players in women’s tennis, each with a distinct style. But they had one thing in common: a sizable haul of Grand Slam victories.