It was listed at number thirty-nine on Billboard's decade-end (2000–2009) Hot Dance Club Songs chart, one place behind "Lose My Breath" which Williams recorded as a member of Destiny's Child five years prior.

Ben Norman of About.com hailed the song as "a fantastic pop ballad"[1] while Robin Carolan of Slant Magazine noted that "in the lush balladry of "The Greatest," Williams could find the hit she needs".

[7] Despite the single receiving minor airplay in the US, "The Greatest" received much play in clubs and so it debuted at number fifty-four on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart before eventually peaking at number one – becoming Williams' second consecutive, top 5 hit on the chart.

The video starts with "a capture of" Williams "donning a black tube gown and singing the song on her bed", frequently cutting to scenes of a man on a "field", "coaching his football players".

The video then solely focuses on Williams during the first verse, who is also seen sporting a reasonably short, purple cocktail dress in a sitting room during another scene.

As the video progresses, scenes of other men; a US athlete running on a track, a fireman and a mechanic working on a car are included.

[9] R. Thomas of Tha Feedback described the video as "sweet and innocent", writing that "Michelle looks all warm and friendly".