“Don’t Think Serena Has Gotten Over It”: Former Champion Reflects on Maria Sharapova’s First-Ever Victory Over Serena Williams

One of the biggest rivalries in women’s tennis in the past decade was between Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams. Ever since the Russian upset Serena to win her first major title at the Wimbledon Championships in 2004, a fierce rivalry ignited between the two and continued for years to come.

However, Sharapova couldn’t see much success post the Wimbledon title as the American thrashed her more often than not. Despite it being a one-sided rivalry, the story was always more than a tennis match whenever these two stalwarts stepped on the court.

Mary Carillo remembers the 2004 Wimbledon final between Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams

Former French Open mixed doubles champion and broadcaster Mary Carillo recently talked about the rivalry between Sharapova and Serena. She mentioned how the Russian’s 2004 Wimbledon victory fueled Serena to achieve massive success at slams.

“The worst thing Maria Sharapova could’ve done is to win the Wimbledon Championship at age 17 against that woman, who is trying to win her third straight. At the time, she has no pressure on her. She is playing great, she showed great poise and was going for her shots,” remarked Carillo.

Serena, who shared the court with Sharapova on 23 occasions, had a remarkable record of 20 victories compared to the Russian’s 3 wins. During her prime, the legendary American was able to dominate every other player on the women’s circuit.

Serena is still searching for her elusive 24th major title. It’s clear that she still has the game for it, but the rise of talented youngsters on the WTA tour every year has become an obstacle for the American.

Watch this story: A Look Inside the Millionaire Lifestyle of Novak Djokovic

“That was her biggest mistake” – Carillo on Sharapova’s Wimbledon victory over Serena

Coming to Serena and Sharapova, the duo appeared to have kept aside their differences as both of them posed together at the recently concluded Met Gala Awards. On the Wimbledon loss to the Russian, Carillo expressed in the podcast that Serena hasn’t still gotten over it.

“That was her (Sharapova’s) biggest mistake. I still don’t think Serena has gotten over it,” concluded the former champion.

The Russian dedicated several pages to Serena Williams in her autobiography titled, ‘Unstoppable: My Life so far’ owing to the absolute dominance she displayed. Sharapova has always considered Serena as her biggest rival but couldn’t enjoy much success on-court.

The duo went public several times regarding their rivalry and the equation they share with each other. Right now, both of these icons are enjoying their time away from the court, temporary or permanent.

Also read: “Capable of Everything”: WTA President Backs Serena Williams To Break Margaret Court’s All-Time Record