Right from the early days of the glorious career, the name Maria Sharapova was always associated with Serena Williams.
The rope was still strong, until the moment Sharapova was honored at the legendary tennis temple in Newport, Rhode Island.
Last Saturday night, Serena Williams suddenly appeared and introduced Sharapova before the speech to receive the title of the Russian tennis player, the champion of the Grand Slam 5 times.
“I know maybe I am the last one that you expect to appear here tonight,” Serena opened his own applause. “To be honest, a few years ago I would think so.”
How does this happen? Serena said: “A few months ago, Maria texted me, saying that she needed to exchange … When I called back, she asked if I could introduce myself to the legendary temple.
“Can anyone expect it?”, Sharapova replied. “Serena Williams interviewed me for an hour to prepare for today's speech.”
The first Grand Slam victory in Sharapova's career was before Serena: the Wimbledon 2004 final, 6-1, 6-4, a milestone helping the 17-year-old girl on the world stage.
“Until today, Maria still considers it a peak moment in her career,” Serena said. “As for me, it is one of the most difficult failures.”
Later, Serena almost overwhelmed: winning Sharapova in the last 18 ends, and 20/22 encountered total. But undeniably: The story of both will not be complete without the opponent.
“Serena not only helped me to sharpen the game,” Sharapova said. “She also helps me clearly shape my identity.”
Once again, on Saturday, the day that both encountered in 4 Grand Slam finals (Wimbledon 2004, Australian Open 2007, Roland Garros 2013, Australian Open 2015), they stood together in the center of the tennis world.
“Maria and I used to be the most fierce opponents, there were noticeable differences in the eyes of everyone, we were like in two worlds,” Serena said. “But the truth is, we all yearn for the same thing, at the same time: Becoming the best person. That has made the drama and symbol of this confrontation.”
Used to be placed in two battle lines, but both Serena and Sharapova always gave each other respect. Even after retiring, the rope continues. In an interview with Time magazine in April, Serena admitted: “It's strange, I can't stop thinking about Maria.” The sentence is given when some big players hang the racket because of doping. “I can't help but sympathize with her.”
That day Serena stood out to protect Sharapova, and today, she stood with Sharapova when the 38 -year -old player officially became part of the legendary ranks of this sport. A position where Serena itself will enter soon.