MARIA SHARAPOVA had a greater maturity and mindset than Serena Williams by the age of simply 11, claims former coach Rick Macci.
Macci, 68, labored with each stars throughout their early years on tour.
Maria Sharapova defeated Serena Williams within the 2004 Wimbledon remainingCredit score: EPA
Williams routinely dominated her head-to-head with Sharapova, profitable 20 of her 22 conferences with the Russian.
Sharapova gained two of their first three clashes, together with within the 2004 Wimbledon remaining aged simply 17.
Williams, 41, then went on to win their subsequent 19 conferences within the one-sided rivalry, previous to Sharapova’s retirement in February 2020.
Regardless of Serena’s unbelievable dominance, Macci rated Sharapova’s “mindset” extra extremely.
The well-regarded coach, who was performed by actor Jon Bernthal within the biopic movie King Richard, tweeted: “@MariaSharapova at age 11 already had laser maturity and that psychological field checked.
“Higher than Serena Venus and Jennifer (Capriati). God given uncanny skill to be in a quiet bubble and the mindset to neglect and lock in lock you out and preserve the keys.”
Sharapova loved huge success, profitable 5 Grand Slams, the Fed Cup and the WTA Finals.
She additionally earned an Olympic silver medal at London 2012, though she was humiliated 6-0, 6-1 within the gold medal match by Williams.
Serena Williams went on to dominate her rivalry with SharapovaCredit score: Occasions Newspapers Ltd
Sharapova obtained a 15 month ban in 2016 after testing constructive for banned substance meldonium.
She returned to the WTA Tour in April 2017, however would win only one extra title earlier than hanging up her racquet three years in the past.
The previous world No1 met Williams simply as soon as after her ban, dropping 6-1, 6-1 in spherical one of many 2019 US Open.
Serena, 41, introduced her retirement after final yr’s US Open, reaching the third spherical earlier than dropping to Ajla Tomljanovic in her remaining match.
She completed her profession with an unbelievable tally of 23 Grand Slam titles, in addition to an additional 16 main doubles successes.
Sporting a brand new look, in the meantime, Sharapova just lately appeared on the Monaco GP.
Sharapova, 36, just lately appeared on the Monaco GPCredit score: Getty