Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams were not the best of friends, nor were they the friendliest of colleagues during their time competing against each other on the WTA circuit. However, years after their on-court clashes, Williams made a heartfelt gesture of appreciation toward her former rival.
In a recent speech, Williams reflected on their storied rivalry, offering an emotional commentary on their evolved relationship. “In 2004, Maria stunned the world with a Wimbledon victory, which for me was the toughest loss of my career. That match didn’t just make her a champion; it launched one of the most talked-about rivalries in tennis history,” Williams remarked.
She continued: “The competitive fire was real; you could feel it, and hear it, with all of Maria’s grunting (laughs).” Williams also addressed Sharapova directly, reflecting on the past and their relationship today.
“Honestly, I might be the last person you’d expect to see here tonight. We had our differences. To the world, it seemed we were miles apart, but in reality, we weren’t,“ Williams told Sharapova before an audience at the International Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Sharapova responds to Williams on social media
Amidst the emotional atmosphere of the event, where both legends shared smiles and reminisced about pivotal moments in their careers, Sharapova took to social media to express her gratitude. On Instagram, she wrote a sincere message in response to Serena’s tribute on Saturday night.
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“Thank you for having my back tonight, Serena. It meant the world to me,” Sharapova posted following her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Her illustrious career, particularly in the early 2000s, set remarkable standards for future generations.
Celebrating Sharapova’s career achievements
Sharapova’s impact on tennis extends beyond her on-court prowess. She is celebrated as one of the most influential players, securing five Grand Slam titles, three of which were won during the 2000s, including the memorable triumph over Williams in 2004.
Furthermore, Sharapova made history by reaching the World No. 1 ranking, achieving this remarkable milestone at just 18 years old. She was the first Russian woman to hold this prestigious position, maintaining it for a total of 21 weeks throughout her career.
In addition to her Grand Slam victories, she won the year-end WTA Tour Championships in 2004, once again defeating Serena. Sharapova also earned a silver medal in singles at the 2012 London Olympics and carried the Russian national flag at the Opening Ceremony, marking the first time a female athlete had this honor.
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