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Serena Williams of the United States shakes hands with Maria Sharapova of Russia after defeating her in her Women’s Singles first round match during day one of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

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Serena Williams of the United States shakes hands with Maria Sharapova of Russia after defeating her in her Women’s Singles first round match during day one of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have been at the forefront of bringing success and popularity to women’s tennis. The two greats faced each other several times, entertaining fans extensively. And while the Russian player emerged as the victor in their first match, the rest of them went in the favor of the American star.
Recently, former French player Emilie Loit spoke about her interactions with Sharapova and Williams. Unfortunately, those moments were not pleasant, as both the American and Russian athletes exchanged cold vibes with her during those instances. She recalled a moment in Australia and narrated her experience.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 26: Serena Williams of the United States shakes hands with Maria Sharapova of Russia after defeating her in her Women’s Singles first round match during day one of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 26, 2019, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Serena Williams allegedly ignored the Frenchwoman in Australia
The former French tennis player stated, “Serena and Maria don’t look at you, never a hello, but no disrespect (…) Serena had insulted me in Australia and I was really happy. She could have insulted me with all names, that meant I was pissing her off. It was pride.”
Emilie won three singles titles, all on clay. In doubles, she won 16 titles. In singles, she achieved a career-high ranking of 27 whereas, in doubles, she was ranked as high as 15. Moreover, she was part of the French national team when they won the Fed Cup in 2003. In doubles, she made it to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, French Open, and the US Open.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 26: Maria Sharapova of Russia congratulates Serena Williams of the United States on winning their quarter final match during day nine of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2016, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Maria Sharapova called it a day last year
Last year, Maria Sharapova shocked the world by announcing her retirement. After the Australian Open 2020, she decided to hang up her boots. She now focuses on her business ventures. On her personal front, she got engaged to British businessman Alexander Gilkes.
Coming on to Serena Williams, she is in Paris, competing at the French Open 2021. She is in the fourth round and will be facing Russian-Kazakhstani player Elena Rybakina. She is looking to claim the 24th Grand Slam title of her career. It will be interesting to see how far she goes at Roland Garros as she has made it to the second week.
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Watch this story: CHAMPIONS: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others’ Trophy Lifts at French Open
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“Serena et Maria ne te regardent pas, jamais un bonjour, mais sans manque de respect (…) Serena m’avait insultée en Australie et j’étais hyper contente. Elle aurait pu m’insulter de tous les noms, ça voulait dire que je l’énervais. C’était une fierté.” https://t.co/WMNd2jrBIh
— Quentin Moynet (@QuentinMoynet) June 6, 2021
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