‘I Don’t See My Heir’ – After Gracing the Tour for 2 Decades, Maria Sharapova Gives a Point-Blank Statement About the Current WTA Stars

With French Open going on in full swing we have seen the potential of young WTA players. Besides that, we have seen young players like Coco Gauff, Paula Badosa, Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, and Aryna Sabalenka reigning in the WTA realm. Consequently, fans are comparing these budding players with the tennis legends like Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Maria Sharapova.

However, the Russian tennis legend Maria Sharapova feels there is yet to be someone who can be her replica on the court.

Maria Sharapova feels the lack of someone like her in the WTA realm

The Russian tennis star created a legacy for herself after winning five Grand Slam titles on the court. Apart from that, she proved to be a challenge for other tennis legends like Serena Williams. Now the rise of other young WTA players has led to constant comparison to find the newer version of these tennis legends. However, Sharapova does not think that there is anyone like her on the court yet.

In an interview with Gazzetta, Sharapova stated, “At the moment I don’t see my heir on the horizon.” However, that does not mean that she does not find appealable enough. She stated, “There are excellent players with different styles.”

Sharapova stated, “The formula for success is not easy to achieve, you need a perfect balance between the game, commitments with sponsors, and free time.” She also added her approach toward the sport.

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Sharapova might not think that any player resembles her. However, tennis enthusiasts have constantly compared Spanish tennis star, Paula Badosa to Sharapova.

How has the comparison with Sharapova affected Paula Badosa? 

The Spanish tennis beauty confessed that she appreciated the comparison to a tennis legend like Sharapova. However, she did not know how to manage the pressure that came along with the comparison. To get compared to such a tennis legend is a compliment in itself. However, it also comes with the overwhelming burden of fitting into that criteria which took a toll on Badosa too.

Similarly, Coco Gauff has also been compared to tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. Do you think this constant comparison unwantedly pressures the young players? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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