Former tennis rivals Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have officially put their long-standing rivalry behind them — and are now friends.
Speaking at the TIME100 Summit in New York City, Sharapova revealed that their competitive relationship effectively came to an end last year, when Williams inducted her into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
“I wouldn’t call it a rivalry,” Sharapova said with a smile. “She beat me many times.”
Their story dates back to one of tennis’s most memorable upsets, when a 17-year-old Sharapova defeated a 22-year-old Williams in the Wimbledon 2004 Final. However, Williams went on to dominate their head-to-head record, winning 19 of their next 21 encounters.
Despite their intense on-court history, Sharapova said Williams was the first person she thought of to present her at the Hall of Fame ceremony — a deeply symbolic gesture.
The two spoke on the phone for over an hour before the event, discussing not only their careers but also their personal lives, including their children. By the end of the conversation, Sharapova made the unexpected request — asking Williams to induct her.
At the August 2025 ceremony, Williams’ appearance on stage was kept a surprise, even from Sharapova’s family. “She came prepared like a true athlete,” Sharapova said, describing the moment as emotional and meaningful.
Now, with both athletes retired, Sharapova says their relationship has evolved into one of mutual respect and genuine friendship — closing the chapter on one of tennis’s most iconic rivalries.
Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
13:22, September 9
“No Kissing”: Billy Baldwin Vows Never to Work With Sharon Stone Again12:38, September 9
A Joke That Went Too Far: Gwyneth Paltrow Reveals How Her Viral “Vagina-Scented” Candle Came to Be12:17, September 9
Nicolas Cage’s $10.5 Million Luxury Malibu Mansion Nearly Swallowed by Giant Sinkhole11:51, September 9
Trump’s Generous Gifts to Young Female Aides: Each Received $45,00011:36, September 9
Elon Musk Wanted Children “Before the Civil War” and Offered $40 Million for Silence: Shocking Claims by His Former Partner10:43, September 9
Deep Plunges, Sheer Looks and Barely Any Fabric: Kim Kardashian Shares Archive of Revealing Fittings23:01, September 8
A year aboard a luxury liner: £56,000 cruise spans the globe from Alaska to Zanzibar22:23, September 8
The garden’s fussy aristocrat: Essential Japanese maple care tips for a flawless red color21:27, September 8
Buying century-old trees is the new status symbol among billionaires20:30, September 8
Jealousy over pixels: GTA 6’s ‘romantic’ features spark an online scandal19:30, September 8
Valentino Sciotti Brings the Fantini Story to Armenia19:15, September 8
Blood, Bones and Dracula: Antique Vampire-Hunting Kit Sends Online Auction Into a Frenzy