Using Federer's frame, Serena Williams takes on Roger's wall challenge
The American is known for more than just her serve, as her Instagram submission—and hundreds of other highlights—show.
Hundreds if not thousands of tennis fans have responded to Roger Federer’s backboard challenge, and that lengthy list now includes Serena Williams.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion asked fellow athletes and fans—including Serena, Novak Djokovic, LeBron James, Bill Gates, Justin Timberlake, Lindsey Vonn, Thierry Henry, Chris Hemsworth and Lewis Hamilton—to submit their own volleying videos. On Wednesday, the 23-time Grand Slam champion answered the call, posting hers on Instagram.
On top of that, Williams used a racquet Federer gave her when the two teamed up at last year's Hopman Cup. That's got to score some bonus points.
One of the best servers in tennis history, Williams—14-time major champion in doubles—also a great volleyer. Here are a few examples of her net prowess.
Earlier this year in Auckland (doesn't that seem like a while ago), Serena fended off the always tricky Camila Giorgi, 6-3, 6-2, thanks in part to this deft shot. She went on to win the event for her 73rd career WTA title, and her first since giving birth to daughter Olympia in 2017.
In 2014, the American defeated Kirsten Flipkens at the now defunct International Premier Tennis League. It was an exhibition, but this shot would work in the pros:
Teaming with Andy Murray in mixed doubles at Wimbledon last year, Serena showed off her athleticism on Centre Court. (Check out the very first point in this extended clip, for some net aggression.)
Williams' overhead has always been one of her signature shots; at net, it's even more devastating. En route to their sixth Wimbledon doubles victory, the Williams sisters took out Tímea Babos and Yaroslava Shvedova in the final:
In the second round of the 2015 Madrid Open, Serena defeated compatriot Sloane Stephens, 6-4, 6-0. She had it all working that day, including her volley:
