“Maria Sharapova and I love seeing each other” – Serena Williams opens up on “different respect” for Russian, admits she has no regrets about rivalry

In a recent interview, Serena Williams opened up about her relationship with fellow tennis legend Maria Sharapova, revealing a mutual respect that transcends their storied rivalry. Williams, who retired from professional tennis last year, spoke candidly about the unique bond she shares with Sharapova and her perspective on their past competitive clashes.

“Maria Sharapova and I love seeing each other,” Williams stated. “There’s a different respect that has grown between us over the years. We’ve both been through so much on and off the court, and that shared experience has created a unique understanding.”

Their rivalry, which was one of the most high-profile in tennis, saw many intense matches and moments of fierce competition. Despite the on-court battles, Williams emphasized that there are no hard feelings or regrets about their rivalry. “I have no regrets about our rivalry,” she admitted. “It pushed me to be a better player and brought out the best in both of us. We both fought hard, and I think we can both appreciate that now.”

Williams highlighted the evolution of their relationship, from rivals to respected colleagues who can now enjoy each other’s company without the pressures of competition. “We’ve both matured and moved on from our playing days, which allows us to appreciate each other more. We talk about our families, our post-tennis lives, and it’s really nice.”

The mutual admiration was evident when Sharapova attended Williams’ final matches, showing support and respect for her longtime rival. This gesture, according to Williams, symbolized the growth in their relationship. “Seeing Maria in the stands meant a lot to me. It showed that our respect goes beyond the court.”

As they both embrace life after tennis, Williams and Sharapova exemplify how fierce competitors can evolve into friends who respect each other’s journey. Their relationship, built on years of shared experiences and mutual respect, stands as a testament to their legacy in the world of tennis.