Former Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has praised Serena Williams’ dedication to returning to tennis while balancing motherhood, calling her commitment “special”.
Speaking to People, Sharapova highlighted the rigorous training, recovery, fueling, and preparation required for a comeback that most people never see.
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Sharapova expressed deep admiration for mothers who set a strong example for their children through their drive and ambition.
“I love women that set such a strong example for their kids because when you lead by example, you don’t need to say too many things. That is your example,” Sharapova told PEOPLE.
“The fact that she’s able to do that and also train for that. It’s not just the moment on the court and walking onto center court, it’s all the training that you do,” she explained. “It’s the recovery that you put in, the ways that you fuel your body, the preparation.”
“It’s the things that a lot of people don’t see,” Sharapova added. “So that commitment is really, it’s special.”
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Serena returned to action in New York, playing mixed doubles with Carlos Alcaraz and teaming up with her sister Venus in women’s doubles.
Once fierce on-court rivals, Sharapova and Serena have developed a close friendship in retirement, with the US tennis veteran famously making a surprise appearance to introduce Sharapova at her International Tennis Hall of Fame induction.
