• Martina Navratilova predicted in 2003 that Serena Williams had the potential to become a greater player than herself.
• Navratilova and Williams never faced each other in a singles match, though Navratilova wished to play against Serena, but they played twice in doubles matches where the Williams sisters were victorious.
• Williams retired in 2022 with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, surpassing Navratilova's 18 and becoming the most decorated female player in the Open Era.

The article centers on Martina Navratilova's early assessment of Serena Williams' talent and potential. In a 2003 interview, Navratilova acknowledged Williams' possibility of exceeding her achievements. Although a singles match between the two never materialized, they competed twice in doubles, with Serena and Venus Williams winning both encounters. The narrative underscores Williams' eventual rise to become one of the greatest tennis players of all time, solidifying Navratilova's foresight.

• What: Martina Navratilova's prediction regarding Serena Williams' potential to become a better player and their doubles match encounters.
• Who: Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Mariaan de Swardt, Svetlana Kuznetsova.
• When: Navratilova's prediction was made in 2003. They played doubles at Wimbledon in 2000 and the Australian Open in 2003. Williams retired in 2022.
• Where: Wimbledon (London, England) and Australian Open (Australia).

The article highlights Navratilova's insightful prediction about Williams' potential, made well before Williams achieved her peak. The narrative also underscores the changing of the guard in women's tennis, with Williams surpassing Navratilova's Grand Slam title count. The doubles match details offer a glimpse into the early careers of the Williams sisters and their dominance on the court.

I would certainly win some matches . . . but so would she. I think if she ever reaches her potential she could be better than I was – but tennis is about so much more than just pure ability. Serena is still learning about the game. A lot depends on how much she wants to stretch herself.

Martina Navratilova accurately foresaw Serena Williams' potential to become one of the greatest tennis players. While a singles match between them never occurred, their doubles encounters provide a historical context. Williams' career culminated in 23 Grand Slam titles, validating Navratilova's early prediction.