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American sports history is filled with icons who impacted generations across all sports.
As the WNBA celebrated legendary athletes during America 250 on July 4th, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark named tennis legend Serena Williams as her American sports hero.
I mean, I will probably go with Serena Williams, Clark said about her American sports hero in an interview with espnW.
She was a great athlete, and in general, everybody can appreciate that.
She broke a lot of barriers, and she is the definition of a competitor, and I always admire her.
Williams recently returned to tennis after last playing in 2022.
She played her first Grand Slam in four years at the 2026 Wimbledon.
Although she exited in the first round of singles, the WNBA royalty paid tribute to the tennis legend.
Celebrating America 250 espnW (@espnW) July 4, 2026 "Who is your American sports hero?" pic.twitter.com/DwfJ8E7eWx Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in American sports history.
She dominated the sport and won 23 Grand Slams, the most in the Open era by a woman.
But above all, Williams was a transformative figure who redefined the cultural landscape of tennis.
Although its too early to compare Clark with Williams in terms of individual greatness, the Fever star has quickly gained iconic status.
She is a catalyst for womens basketball, bringing unprecedented attention to the WNBA.
Clark had the biggest role in changing the WNBAs economy.
The Fever star has become a phenomenon in American sports, and it hasnt gone unnoticed by the tennis legend either.
Serena Williams has a very small list of athletes she holds in very high regard, and Caitlin Clark is on that list.
Last year, in an interview with Time, Williams was asked about Clark and how the WNBA star had handled the media spotlight.
I felt like shes always herself; she stayed out of it, just muted the noise, Williams told Time magazine in April 2025.
She has this maturity that I didnt have.
Clark had the benefit of being in college.
Compared to Williams, who turned pro at age 14, Clark was 22 when she entered the WNBA.
And yet, the tennis legend found something in Clark very similar to her.
I felt like she was, like me, purposely staying away, added Williams.
I respect that.
Kudos to her.
Despite overwhelming media attention, Clark has made sure to detox herself when the offseason comes.
Like Serena, Clark has understood the downside of too much availability in front of the camera.
Both athletes are now closer in proximity than they ever were.
The tennis icon has involved herself in WNBA basketball.
Last year, she joined the Toronto Tempo as a minority owner.
Perhaps fans will have a chance to watch two sports royalty sit together in the future.
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