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Serena Williams of the United States shakes hands with Maria Sharapova of Russia after defeating her in her Women’s Singles first round match during day one of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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Serena Williams of the United States shakes hands with Maria Sharapova of Russia after defeating her in her Women’s Singles first round match during day one of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Venus and Serena Williams have engraved their names on the minds of the tennis enthusiasts. The players have worked hard since their younger days under the aegis of their father, Richard Williams, who was also their first coach.
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Their father never compromised in their training. So, when he was asked about Serena’s final match with Maria Sharapova at SW19 once, he did not show any doubt about the capabilities of his daughter.
King Richard on the possibility of Serena Williams facing arch-rival Maria Sharapova
The interviewer asked if he was dreading a Serena Williams-Maria Sharapova face-off at Wimbledon 2012. He immediately refuted that and said, “Not at all. I think Serena plays Sharapova very well in Madrid and in other places too. I don’t even know the last time Sharapova beat Serena. So, no, I wouldn’t look at it that way.”
He also talked about the threat that his daughter could face.
“I think the biggest threat to any of the players here, with Serena or anyone, is someone unknown that you don’t know much about that’s playing great tennis.”
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The rivalry of Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova is not unheard of. The Williams’ sister led the rivalry and didn’t leave any scope for the Russian to take the drivers’ seat.
Out of the 22 times they faced each other, Serena won 20 of those including their 19 last matches in a row.
Can Williams win her 24th grand slam title?
Serena Williams had defeated Agnieszka Radwanska in the finals of the Wimbledon 2012. She has reached the finals of the Wimbledon 11 times, out of which she has won the title seven times.
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Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 29, 2021 Serena Williams of the U.S. in action during her first round match against Belarus’ Aliaksandra Sasnovich REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
With seven Wimbledon titles to her name, the player is set to be a part of this year’s grass court major. She is hoping to increase her score of grand slam titles to 24. The American’s command on the grass court will make her one of the favorites but the competition from young WTA players will prove to be a mammoth challenge for Serena.
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