Former tennis star, Maria Sharapova, has praised her long-time rival Serena Williams for making a return to competitive tennis, describing the American’s commitment as “special.”
Williams, 44, returned to the US Open this year after a four-year absence. She featured in the mixed doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz last week before joining her sister, Venus Williams, in the women’s doubles competition on Thursday.
Sharapova, speaking in an interview with People, said Serena’s comeback involved much more than simply stepping onto the court, highlighting the physical preparation and commitment required at her age.
“The fact that she’s able to do that and also train for that. It’s not just the moment on the court and walking onto center court, it’s all the training that you do,” Sharapova said.
“It’s the recovery that you put in, the ways that you fuel your body, the preparation. It’s the things that a lot of people don’t see,” she added. “So that commitment is really, it’s special.”
The retired Russian also spoke about women balancing motherhood with their professional ambitions, praising those who continue pursuing their careers while raising children.
“I love women that set such a strong example for their kids because when you lead by example, you don’t need to say too many things. That is your example,” said Sharapova.
“Women are powerful and dynamic and ambitious,” she continued. ”
And just because we stop a certain career to have children and dedicate our focus to motherhood doesn’t mean that we can’t pursue our dreams.”
“These are women that are setting a high standard,” she added. “It’s so inspirational.”
Sharapova, who retired from professional tennis in 2020, has since focused on motherhood, business and other projects, including her recently launched podcast, Pretty Tough.
Despite Serena’s return to the court, Sharapova said she has no plans to make a comeback herself, noting that she is enjoying the new chapter of her life.
“I’ve had such a great, healthy relationship with the sport for so many years and I love the chapter that I’m in. I love being a mom. I love investing in incredible founders. I recently started a podcast,” she explained.
“These projects are so much fun, it’s inspiring and it’s what keeps me busy.”
