Federer Inspired Sharapova to Manage Off-Court Life

Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova was all praises for Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer. She said that he inspires her in many ways. Sharapova was particularly impressed with the way he handles his personal life. She admired how Federer always has his wife, Mirka and their four children — identical twin daughters Myla and Charlene, nine, and identical twin sons Leo and Lennart, four, for company while he is playing the ATP Tour.

“I think he [Federer] is an inspiration in many aspects. Not only for me, but for many players. He has always been an inspiration for me. Not only for his on-court professionalism but also the way he is doing all the things in life,” She said.

The world No. 42 feels that it is tougher for female tennis professionals compared to their male counterparts. “I think there is a difference between men and women. For women, there are other expectations in life and you want to do other things like starting family,” she said.

With regard to the upcoming French Open, Sharapova will feature alongside former champions Serena Williams and Garbiñe Muguruza. Other Grand Slam winners include Victoria Azarenka and Caroline Wozniacki, World No.1 Simona Halep, and reigning French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.

Williams is currently on a road to redemption after returning from maternity leave following the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia. The American will be using her protected ranking to secure her entry at Roland Garros. Williams has a good track record as she has won the singles crown three times.

The French Open runs from May 27 to June 10. In the Men’s draw, Federer will not be featuring this season at Roland Garros. This decision was after the Swiss player lost to qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis. However, we can be sure that he will return for Wimbledon.

Read: Nadal reveals conversation with Murray over injury recovery