Tennis

Maria Sharapova's impact on tennis cannot be overstated. Her arrival on the scene in 2002, at the tender age of 15, heralded a new era of intensity and determination. Her relentless pursuit of victory, coupled with her icy ruthlessness, set her apart from her contemporaries.Sharapova's signature grunt and full-throated desire to win became synonymous with her game. Her frenetic energy and sheer force of will overwhelmed opponents, establishing a new standard of aggression in the sport. Her habit of walking to the back fence before serving, gathering herself, and then spinning back toward the baseline with her left fist clenched became a ritual emulated by the next generation of WTA players.Beyond her on-court dominance, Sharapova's star power extended to the business world. She topped Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid women athletes for nine consecutive years, from 2008 to 2016. However, her success was not limited to endorsements and cover shoots. She remained a fierce competitor, her passion for the fight never waning.Sharapova's versatility was evident in her ability to adapt to different surfaces. Initially a fast-court specialist, she transformed herself into a clay-court master, winning Roland Garros twice. Her record in marathon matches is a testament to her point-by-point persistence.Despite her success, Sharapova's career was not without controversy. In 2016, she was suspended after testing positive for meldonium, a heart medicine that had recently been banned. While she claimed to have used it for a decade due to a family history of heart conditions, the incident cast a shadow over her legacy.However, Sharapova's resilience and determination shone through in her response to adversity. She served a 15-month sentence and returned to the court with renewed vigor. Her ability to shake off losses and come back stronger is a testament to her unwavering spirit.Whether or not Sharapova belongs in the Hall of Fame is a matter of debate. Her positive test for meldonium complicates her reputation, but her achievements on the court cannot be denied. She was one of the most cussed and reliable competitors in the game, a woman who played every point like it was her last and took her losses with grace.

Former champions Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova graced the hallowed grounds of Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open, making their stylish returns to the iconic venue. The legendary duo, who have etched their names in tennis history, enjoyed a packed schedule of activities during their visit to the final Grand Slam of the year.Federer, a five-time US Open champion, shared glimpses of his busy trip on Instagram, showcasing promotional shoots and a delectable slice of New York pizza. The 20-time major winner also made headlines with his comments on the controversial Jannik Sinner doping case, expressing concerns about potential inconsistencies in the handling of the situation.Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champion, attended the US Open's Champions of Equality event, honoring producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes. Her appearance quickly became a viral sensation when cameras captured her in a stadium suite, her expression conveying a mix of amusement and distress."I look like I just missed a second serve return on break point and saw my coach's reaction," Sharapova joked on social media, poking fun at her own facial expression.Federer and Sharapova's presence at the US Open served as a reminder of their enduring legacy in the sport. Their visits not only added star power to the tournament but also highlighted the enduring appeal of tennis legends.

Maria Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam singles champion, and the legendary doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan are among the nominees for the International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2025.Sharapova, a former world No. 1, achieved a Career Grand Slam in singles, becoming the first Russian woman to top the WTA rankings. Her illustrious career includes 36 titles, including her first major triumph at Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17.The Bryan brothers, also former world No. 1s, have an unparalleled record in doubles. Together, they won 16 Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal in 2012. Their 39 ATP Masters 1000 crowns and Career Golden Masters, where they won all nine active 1000-level tournaments, are testament to their dominance.Daniel Nestor, a 12-time major title holder, returns to the ballot for his third and final year of eligibility. He seeks to join his former rivals, the Bryans, in the Hall of Fame.Fan voting is now open, with 75% of the combined total required for election. The Class of 2025 will be announced in October.

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, stole the spotlight at the 32nd ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, despite being retired from professional tennis. Her captivating presence and witty remarks left an unforgettable mark on the evening.One of the highlights of the night was Williams' playful take on the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake feud. Aligning herself with Compton-native Kendrick, she danced to his hit "They Not Like Us" and playfully jabbed at Drake, suggesting that he would face the wrath of Toronto fans if he dared to attend a Raptors game.Williams also took a humorous swipe at her former rival, Maria Sharapova, with a rendition of "She Could Be My Tennis Ball." The song, a parody of Jamie Foxx's 2003 ESPY performance, poked fun at Sharapova's height and their lopsided head-to-head record.In a lighthearted moment, Williams playfully put her close friends, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, "in their place." With a hint of sarcasm, she requested them to "try not to breathe too much" as she wanted to avoid being overshadowed by their presence.Venus Williams, Serena's elder sister, also had her moment on stage. She jokingly revealed that ESPN had initially offered her the hosting gig but she declined, allowing her sister to take the spotlight. Venus's playful dig at Serena's Wimbledon record drew laughter from the audience.Other notable moments from the evening included Williams being introduced by a group of "Serena impersonators," her playful shots at NFL player Harrison Butker, and her stylish appearance with her family.Serena Williams' performance at the ESPY Awards showcased her enduring charisma and ability to captivate an audience. Her witty remarks, playful jabs, and infectious energy left a lasting impression, proving that even in retirement, she remains an icon in the world of sports and entertainment.

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, renowned for her intellectual curiosity and tennis acumen, has expressed her admiration for three retired tennis greats: Steffi Graf, Maria Sharapova, and Serena Williams. Swiatek believes that these legends can provide valuable insights into both the sport and the world beyond.Swiatek, who has already achieved remarkable success at the age of 23, is eager to expand her knowledge and business acumen. She sees Sharapova as a role model in this regard, citing her shrewd business decisions both during and after her playing career. Swiatek hopes to learn from Sharapova's ability to navigate the off-court aspects of the sport.Despite playing in different eras, Swiatek is drawn to Graf's mental fortitude and on-court intangibles. She believes that Graf's experience and wisdom could help her develop a stronger mindset and improve her overall game.Swiatek's desire to connect with these tennis icons may be fulfilled if she joins them in winning the Wimbledon title. As the top seed, she is aiming to become the first player since Williams in 2015 to win both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same year.Swiatek's admiration for these retired greats highlights her commitment to continuous learning and her belief that there is always more to discover about tennis and life. By seeking guidance from those who have achieved greatness, she aims to enhance her own journey and inspire future generations of players.

Maria Sharapova, the Russian tennis legend, made a triumphant return to Wimbledon's Centre Court on the 20th anniversary of her maiden Grand Slam victory. As a spectator in the Royal Box, Sharapova witnessed the action from "the best seat in the house.""It's my first time as a spectator here," Sharapova remarked to Tennis Channel's Steve Weissman and Martina Navratilova. "I've never felt so relaxed or so glammed up to attend Wimbledon before."Since retiring in 2020, Sharapova has rarely attended tennis events due to the pandemic and her pregnancy. However, with her son Theo turning two on the eve of Wimbledon, she has been making more appearances at Grand Slams.Reflecting on her historic SW19 win, Sharapova has been featured in video tributes and has connected with rising stars like Mirra Andreeva, who has been compared to her."It's been nice to reconnect with tennis venues again," Sharapova said. "I still feel like I'm a competitor at heart, but being a spectator is a lot of fun."Sharapova's fashion-forward style was on full display at Wimbledon, as she donned a head-to-toe Burberry ensemble. The honey beige wool safari shirt and trousers, paired with an ivy green bag and tortoiseshell accessories, paid homage to the tournament's English roots.After her Wimbledon triumph, Sharapova went on to win four more Grand Slams and reach the world No. 1 ranking. She also won a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics.Sharapova's career was marked by 36 titles, but it was also marred by a 15-month ban in 2016 for testing positive for a banned substance. She announced her retirement in 2020 after playing her final match at the Australian Open.

Twenty years after her unforgettable Wimbledon triumph, Maria Sharapova has graced the hallowed grounds of the All England Club once more, this time with her beloved family. The five-time Grand Slam champion embarked on a nostalgic journey with her fiancé, Alexander Gilkes, and their adorable son, Theodore, who will soon celebrate his second birthday as the prestigious tournament commences.Gilkes captured the heartwarming family outing on Instagram, sharing a series of on-court portraits that showcased their joy and connection. Sharapova proudly displayed her name etched among the Wimbledon champions, a testament to her remarkable achievements. Theodore's infectious enthusiasm was evident as he waved cheerfully to passing ballkids.The family's visit also included a glimpse of reigning men's champion Carlos Alcaraz honing his skills on an outside court. Sharapova's legacy at Wimbledon remains unparalleled, with a remarkable 46-14 record on the grass courts. She reached the final in 2011, narrowly losing to Petra Kvitova, and made three additional semifinal appearances.In 2012, Sharapova added an Olympic silver medal to her illustrious career, falling to Serena Williams in the championship match at SW19. Her return to the All England Club serves as a poignant reminder of her enduring impact on the sport.As the next generation of tennis stars emerges, Sharapova's presence inspires young players like 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva, who aspires to emulate her idol's success. The meeting between the two generations of Russian tennis talent symbolizes the enduring legacy of Maria Sharapova, a true icon of the sport.

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has launched a new web series titled "Serving Looks" that explores the intersection of fashion and tennis. In the debut episode, Osaka revisits some of the most iconic on-court looks, including her own and those made famous by Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.Osaka begins by showcasing the red Nike dress and sneakers she wore at the Tokyo Olympics, which she describes as "the most beautiful Olympics dress you'll ever see." She recalls the significance of being the torch lighter at the Opening Ceremony and the custom white Air Force 1s Nike created for her with the brand's signature swoosh logo."These are a treasure for me," Osaka says of the shoes. "I really love shoes, and I really love things that bring me a lot of memories. These shoes bring me a lot of memories."Osaka also discusses Sharapova's teal-blue Nike dress from the 2007 Roland Garros tournament, which she admired as a child. "I just remember thinking, 'Maybe one day, I'll be sponsored by Nike if I was good enough,'" she says.Other notable outfits featured in the episode include Osaka's hot pink 2022 Australian Open romper, which she calls "very innovative," Williams' famous white and tan Puma dress from her 1999 US Open victory, and Osaka's own orange and black 2019 US Open dress, which she deems "the greatest tennis outfit of all-time.""I vividly remember thinking, 'This is the best tennis outfit I'm going to ever have,'" Osaka says, promising to surpass it with her future looks.Beyond tennis attire, Osaka also shares her thoughts on a striking black leather jacket from the late Kobe Bryant's clothing line and a pair of Nike shoes featuring detailing from the manga series Naruto and a cartoon likeness of her dog, Butta."Serving Looks" promises to delve into the cultural impact of iconic outfits, providing context for their history and legacy.

Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, two of the most iconic tennis players of all time, have finally put their long-standing rivalry to rest. In a recent interview, Williams declared that there was never any real animosity between them, despite the intense competition on the court."Not anymore," Williams said when asked about any lingering beef with Sharapova. "I mean, was there ever beef? I guess. It was just competitive though."The rivalry between Williams and Sharapova was one of the most captivating in tennis history. The two players met 22 times, with Williams holding a dominant 20-2 head-to-head record. Their matches were often intense and emotional, with both players pushing each other to the limit.However, off the court, Williams and Sharapova have always maintained a respectful relationship. They have attended events together and even posed for photos. This has led many fans to believe that their rivalry was more about competition than personal animosity.Williams' comments in the recent interview seem to confirm this. She said that she and Sharapova "both wanted to win" and that their rivalry was simply a matter of "do you want to win?"Sharapova retired from tennis in 2020, while Williams announced her retirement in 2022. With both players now out of the competitive circuit, it seems that their rivalry is truly over.However, Williams' recent cryptic tweet has left some fans wondering if she may be planning a return to the court. "I'm ready to hit some balls again," she wrote.If Williams does decide to make a comeback, it would be a major story in the tennis world. And if she were to face Sharapova again, it would be one of the most anticipated matches in recent memory.