Serena Williams faces Maria Sharapova in a fourth-round match at the French Open. It is the biggest test for both tennis stars in the Grand Slam so far. Both have spoken with respect for each other’s achievement in the sport and are among the highest-paid women athletes in history earning more than $100 million in prize money between them. Since their first meeting in 2004, 21 matches have been played till date but the results have been lopsided for the Compton-born American, Serena has a 19-2 record against Maria.
Sharapova beat Williams in their second meeting in the 2004 Wimbledon final and followed it up with a win at the WTA Championships at the end of that season. Since these two consecutive defeats, Serena has won all 18 matches they have played including 15 of them in straight sets. The 18-match run includes three Grand Slam finals (Australian Open 2007 & 2015, French Open 2013) and a gold medal match at the 2012 London Olympics. Serena has not dropped a set in her last seven meetings.
Both athletes are returning to the game following different off-court challenges. Sharapova tested positive for meldonium in 2016 and served a 15-month ban. Williams had a difficult recovery from an emergency cesarean section and post-partum complications after the birth of her daughter, Alexis Olympia, last September.
Sharapova has played more matches in recent times than Williams. She made it to the quarter finals in the Madrid Masters and semi-finals in Rome beating Jelena Ostapenko before losing to Simona Halep.
Williams is competing in her first Grand Slam after becoming a mother. She returned to the court in February at the Fed Cup, made it to the Third Round at Indian Wells and lost in the First Round in Miami. Serena came to Roland Garros to feel her way into things and find out where she is. Ahead of today’s match, she called Sharapova ‘the favorite’. You know, she’s been playing for over a year now. I just started, so I’m just really trying to get my bearings and trying to feel out where I am and see where I can go,’ Williams said.
SERENA WILLIAMS v MARIA SHARAPOVA
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Serena Williams take on Maria Sharapova at Philippe-Chatrier court. Kick-off is 13.15hrs.
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