With a number of remarkable achievements in her bag, the former Russian tennis player, Maria Sharapova became an iconic figure in the world of tennis. Even after moving away from the court, the 5 singles Grand Slam champion is still inspiring a number of athletes in the tennis community. The list of such athletes also includes her compatriot, Daniil Medvedev who has been one of the biggest names on the ATP Tour.

After making some massive improvements to his clay court game, the former US Open champion has recently hailed Sharapova for inspiring him. The 27-year-old was scared of his clay court antics as he used to struggle on the surface. However, it was fellow Russian Sharapova’s journey that inspired him to overcome those problems.

Maria Sharapova gets lauded by her compatriot and ATP player, Daniil Medvedev

The former tennis ace had a number of remarkable displays on clay courts given her triumphs. However, Maria Sharapova used to struggle on the surface during the initial phase of her journey on the WTA Tour. Later, the Russian tennis legend trained hard on the same surface to improve her game to a massive level.

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Consequently, Sharapova managed to clinch two major titles on the clay court by outclassing some of the greatest players at the Rolland Garros. Many in the tennis community have been inspired by the Russian tennis beauty’s triumphs at the French Open. Taking note of her incredible journey, ATP player, Daniil Medvedev recently hailed her for those inspirational antics.

Just like Sharapova, the 27-year-old used to struggle on the clay surface mainly because of his inadequate off-the-ball movement. Talking about the same, he said, “I slide not before the court, but after the court, because I don’t know, maybe I’m scared or something.”

A WTA Russian player has also idolized Sharapova

The next generation of tennis players in Russia has witnessed Sharapova and her unprecedented achievements on the WTA Tour. Anastasia Potapova, the 21-year-old Russian player falls into the same category of athletes idolizing the 5 singles Grand Slam champion.

Potapova, who has an uncanny resemblance to her idol, previously revealed how she has always looked up to the former tennis ace. Apart from her beauty, she also lauded Sharapova’s great on-court personality. Speaking of it, Potapova also opened how she wants to emulate the Russian tennis great on the women’s circuit.

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What do you think of Sharapova being an iconic figure for many Russian tennis players? Let us know in the comments section.