“Serena Williams just blew her mind” Former Maria Sharapova coach opens up on the impact of the rivalry on the Russian » FirstSportz

5-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams shared one of the fiercest rivalries on the WTA Tour of the 21st century. While both players clinched the major Grand Slam titles while having a good time at the top of the rankings, the two always remained at odds throughout their careers before Maria retired from the sport in 2020.

Sharapova’s victory over Serena in the 2004 Wimbledon Championship remains one of the biggest upsets in esports and it was the match that shaped the rivalry between Serena and Maria. The two players have met a total of 22 times, with Serena leading the Russian 20-2. After the first three encounters, Maria led 2-1 in head-to-head before Serena won 19 straight matches to take the unassailable lead and defend bragging rights against Maria.

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“She probably had the greatest respect for Serena”: Ex-coach of Maria Sharapova

While fans remain aware of the bitterness and rivalry between Maria and Serena, Michael JoyceMaria’s former coach, who guided the Russian to her first two Grand Slam victories and became world no had more specific details about Maria’s behavior towards serena.

“I think ultimately, Maria probably had the most respect for Serena of all the other players. I’m just saying that based on what I think. She never said it, but I just feel like Maria always felt like she always had a chance no matter who she was playing. Sloane Stephens she could beat her, but Maria always felt that if she persevered, and if she was tough, she could reverse it.

“But there was a point with Serena where it was like Serena was going to bring her an A game. I find Maria was pretty predictable in some ways the way she played, and Serena went through that period for three to four years just blowing her mind. Joyce said in a recent interview with Tennisuptodate.

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