Maria Sharapova, the former Russian tennis professional, is one of the few players who could give a tough fight to Serena Williams. From admiring the gameplay of Williams to reaching her caliber, Sharapova traveled a long way. However, defeating the 23 times Grand Slam champion was never an easy feat.

Therefore, the Russian had to give her best if she wanted to come out victorious in clashes against Williams. But sometimes such matches fell heavy on her and her coach had to come to action. An example of that is Sharapova’s breakdown during their 2008 Charleston Open match.

 Maria Sharapova loses hope

Sharapova, while playing against Williams in the quarterfinals of the WTA 500 event, almost reached the point of mental breakdown. In a response to that, her coach approached her during the break and tried to boost her morale. But in the process, the 5 times Grand Slam champion’s coach almost slipped a swear word. He said, “you just be tough, and that’s it. And you gotta believe you’re gonna beat this — girl.”

Thereafter, he himself admitted, “I almost slipped up there.” However, his unintentional slip worked as it made the former World No.1 smile. Though she couldn’t get the better of Williams and lost the semifinals spot in three sets.

Trending

10 Years After Backing Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Now $10 Billion Undertaking, Snoop Dogg Receives a Heartfelt Note

May 06, 2024 11:05 AM EDT

Serena Williams’ Ex Drake Blasted by Her Husband Alexis Ohanian as He Get Due Revenge After Nasty Humiliation in 2022

May 06, 2024 06:58 AM EDT

Iga Swiatek Bluntly Rejects Aryna Sabalenka’s Acknowledgement as She Adds More to Humiliation After Viled Shade in Madrid

May 06, 2024 12:20 PM EDT

‘I’m Alive Today’ – Jehovah’s Witness Serena Williams Reveals Drastic Hobby Addition That Altered Her Life for Good

May 05, 2024 03:09 PM EDT

Italian Open 2024: Jessica Pegula’s Unfortunate Exit Prompts Partner Coco Gauff to Pick 29-YO WTA Star as Doubles Partner

May 05, 2024 07:10 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

‘Not Your Typical Monday’ – Maria Sharapova Puts Back the Clock as She Reminisces Her Wimbledon Run

The American later took down the Russian tennis ace Vera Zvonareva in sets of 6-4 3-6 6-3 in the finals to claim the trophy in the clay-based event.

Sharapova against Serena Williams

The Russian has locked horns with Serena Williams 22 times in total. Out of which she was able to secure only two matches. First, being in the finals of the 2004 Wimbledon championships where she outclassed the seven times Wimbledon champion in straight sets of 6-1, 6-4 to clinch her very first trophy of the grass-based Grand Slam.

Following that, in the same year at the WTA tour finals, Sharapova again out-muscled Williams in sets of 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 for the second and last time.

Watch this story: Serena Williams vs LeBron James—net worth comparison

Further, their last face was in the year 2019. They squared off in the first round of the US Open and Williams thrashed Sharapova to take an easy win of 6-1, 6-1. After that, Williams went ahead to win her 100th match in the Grand Slam that year.