In a candid and unexpected admission, tennis icon Serena Williams revealed that her former rival Maria Sharapova still occupies a significant place in her thoughts, even years after their legendary on-court battles concluded. Speaking during a recent interview that has quickly rippled through the sports world, Williams confessed, “I think about Maria all the time,” in the context of ongoing doping controversies in professional tennis.
This revelation comes as the tennis world finds itself grappling with renewed scrutiny over doping scandals, some of which harken back to the high-profile case that engulfed Sharapova in 2016. Sharapova was banned from tennis for 15 months after testing positive for meldonium, a substance that had just been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of banned substances. Though Sharapova returned to the game after serving her suspension, the shadow of that scandal has lingered—both in public perception and, evidently, in the minds of some of her most formidable opponents.
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova shared one of the most storied rivalries in modern tennis. While Williams dominated their head-to-head matchup with a stunning 20-2 record, Sharapova’s lone victories—particularly her breakout win at Wimbledon in 2004—were enough to ignite a media-fueled saga that transcended the sport itself. Their relationship off the court was often strained, punctuated by icy press conference comments and sharp contrasts in playing styles, personality, and public perception.
Now, Williams’ comments shed new light on how deeply those years of rivalry impacted her—not just professionally but personally.
“It’s not just about the matches,” Serena said. “It’s about what Maria represented during a time when tennis was going through some serious changes. She was a symbol of the new wave, but also of the controversy.”
Though Williams made it clear that she harbors no resentment, her remarks suggest an enduring emotional connection to Sharapova’s presence on the tour and the turbulence that accompanied her. “I think about what it must have been like for her, carrying that weight. I also think about how we as athletes are put under a microscope—some more than others,” she added.
Her remarks come at a time when the tennis world is once again facing uncomfortable questions. Multiple players across different levels of the sport have recently been flagged for anti-doping violations, and concerns have emerged over inconsistent testing standards, the influence of private trainers, and the role of national tennis federations in shielding top athletes.
Williams, who has long been a vocal advocate for clean competition, has herself faced aggressive anti-doping protocols throughout her career. At one point, she was tested more than any other top-ranked female athlete in the sport. “I’ve always said I want to compete fair. I want to win knowing it’s my talent and my training that got me there,” she reiterated.
The mention of Sharapova in this context seems more than coincidental. It’s a reminder of how public and personal such scandals can become, and how their effects linger far beyond the ban period.
Sharapova, now retired, has largely stayed out of the doping discourse in recent years, focusing instead on her business ventures and selective media appearances. Still, her name remains synonymous with one of tennis’ most prominent scandals, and Serena’s comments ensure that history won’t be forgotten any time soon.
The sports world is now speculating about the subtext of Williams’ words. Was it a subtle critique? A show of empathy? Or simply a reflection on how her most visible rival left an indelible mark on her career?
Whatever the case, the sincerity in Serena’s tone cannot be denied. It’s rare for a legend of her stature to speak so openly about the inner workings of her mind—especially regarding a figure as polarizing as Sharapova.
As Serena continues to evolve from champion athlete to cultural icon and advocate, moments like this offer a deeper glimpse into the complexities of elite competition. The rivalries are not just played out on the court; they live on in memory, in reflection, and in the ever-changing narrative of the sport.
Whether Sharapova chooses to respond or remain silent, one thing is certain: her legacy, for better or worse, is forever intertwined with Serena Williams’. And if Williams’ words are any indication, that bond—born in conflict, shaped by controversy, and tempered by time—will not easily fade.
In a sport constantly in search of its next great rivalry, the story of Serena and Sharapova remains a poignant chapter—a mix of excellence, drama, and the enduring power of legacy.
