Tennis legend Serena Williams has admitted she still often reflects on her longtime rival Maria Sharapova, despite the Russian star’s retirement from professional tennis in 2020.
The two faced off 22 times, with Serena claiming victory in 20 of those matches, including three Grand Slam finals. However, Sharapova famously beat Williams at Wimbledon in 2004, a win that defined the start of their fierce rivalry.
Sharapova retired at 32, citing injury-related performance issues, but her career also included controversy—a 15-month doping ban after testing positive for Meldonium at the 2016 Australian Open. Though deemed unintentional, the incident drew parallels to a recent doping case involving Jannik Sinner, who received a three-month ban earlier this year.
Speaking with Time Magazine, Serena said:
“Weirdly and oddly, I can’t help but think about Maria all this time. I can’t help but feel for her.”
Serena, who retired in 2022, boasts 37 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles, and a London 2012 Olympic gold medal. She held the record for most Grand Slam singles titles (23) in the Open Era until Novak Djokovic surpassed her in 2023.
Djokovic recently sought her insight during the Miami Open, saying after his victory over Lorenzo Musetti:
“I was starstruck! I pointed to Serena in the crowd after a shot, and she gave me a nod. If Serena says it was fine, then it was.”
Life After Tennis
Now 43, Serena Williams is embracing life as a mother and entrepreneur. She shares daughters Olympia and Adira with husband Alexis Ohanian. Speaking to The New York Times, she shared a sweet moment:
“Olympia told me the other day, ‘You’re famous.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, not really. I’m just your mom.’”
She added:
“When the time is right, I’ll help them understand the impact I’ve had on sport—and maybe beyond.”
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