Men competing against women in tennis has always been the most heated debate in the sport. Numerous individuals have provided their different verdicts on the topic. However, it again caught fire after the name of Serena Williams was brought into controversy.
Recently, during a court proceeding, the topic of women competing against biological men flared once again as the judge asked for an example from the Dem Witness. The Dem Witness, Kelley Robinson, was quick to say that men can’t win a point against Serena Williams because she is stronger than them.
Dem witness: “There’s been this news article about men that think they can beat Serena Williams in tennis. And it’s just not the case. She is stronger than them.” @Riley_Gaines_: “Both Serena and Venus lost to the 203rd ranked male tennis player.” pic.twitter.com/MSAnV6IA5t
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) June 21, 2023
“There’s been this news article about men that think they can beat Serena Williams in tennis. And it’s just not the case. She is stronger than them.” Kelley Robinson said.
However, her argument was interrupted in the middle by a statement by former American swimmer, Riley Gaines. Riley Gaines stated the incident when a men’s World no. 203 disposed of the likes of Serena Williams as well as Venus Williams comfortably.
Recalling the incident, the former American swimmer said, “Both Serena and Venus lost to the 203rd ranked male tennis player, which are phenoms for women”. She went on to talk about his husband who is also a swimmer. Gaines stated that she was a better swimmer than her husband according to the national ranking and records. However, she admitted that he could still beat her anytime without even trying.
Did Serena Williams and Venus Williams really lose against a men’s World No. 203 player?
There have been a couple of junctures when men and women collided with each other on the tennis court. The first such incident took place in 1973 when Bobby Riggs took on Margaret Court. Riggs, who was 55 years old, took down the then World No. 1 (6-2, 6-1).
Riggs then challenged a 29-year-old Billie Jean King. However, King disposed of her male opponent in three sets (6-4, 6-3, 6-3). Later, in 1993, Jimmy Connors and Martina Navratilova locked horns and the match ended in favor of the male player.
Consequently, after becoming a top stars in tennis, Serena Williams and Venus Williams played an unofficial game against German tennis player Karsten Braasch, who was ranked 203 by ATP at that time. That happened after they claimed no male player outside the top 200 could beat them.
“I didn’t know it would be that difficult. I played shots that would have been winners on the women’s circuit and he got to them very easily,” said Serena Williams (via Marca).
As the match got underway, the Williams sisters realized that things weren’t as easy as they thought. Karsten Braasch smashed Serena Williams (6-1) and Venus Williams (6-2) in the match. After the match, the German also said that Williams couldn’t get a win inside the top 500 because he played against them like a player ranked 600.