“Would Always Feel Butterflies”: Maria Sharapova Talks About the Pressure of Playing at the Centre Court

Fans definitely miss former World No.1 Maria Sharapova on the court. The Russian retired in early 2020 and has been one of the best players of the previous decades. She played some really aggressive tennis and was famous for putting a lot of pressure on her opponents.

In a recent interview, Sharapova talked about her journey as a tennis player. Interestingly, she revealed how she used to handle pressure while playing on the Center Court.

“You know, Billie Jean King, has one of my most amazing quotes- Pressure is a privilege”, began an energetic Sharapova. “It is certainly a privilege to feel the pressure of your job, pressure of performing well. You know, living and standing upto the standard that you create for yourself and the environment in which you live in.”

The 5-time Grand Slam winner Sharapova emphasized that pressure was definitely necessary in order to grow. She believed that although it challenged her, it eventually helped her to perform well.

DIVE DEEPER

“Would always feel nervous”- Maria Sharapova on her experience at the Center Court

Sharapova also talked about her own experience at the Center Court. She revealed how she used to feel nervous while going there but later performed well due to the extra pressure.

“I would go on to Center Court and I would always feel nervous, I would always feel butterflies. I would always wanted to perform for myself, my team. You know, my entire team relied on me there…I wanted to do it for my fans,” added Sharapova.

The Russian star also highlighted that one should be prepared to face any sort of challenges and pressure. According to her, they would help the person in future.

“Experience that you face when you’re going through challenges, you’ll eventually experience them again in other ways in life. I always say that the way you go through those challenges will set you up for better experience next time,” concluded the former World No.1.

Sharapova’s journey is definitely an epitome of how overcoming pressure could lead to success. After bidding goodbye to tennis, the star player is now a proud owner of ‘Sugarpova’- a popular candy brand.

DIVE DEEPER