Billie Jean King
IN PHOTO: Tennis great Billie Jean King waves during ceremonies ahead of the women's singles finals match between Serena Williams of the U.S. and Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark at the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, September 7, 2014. REUTERS/Mike Segar REUTERS/Mike Segar

Twelve-time grand slam champion Billie Jean King always knew that Maria Sharapova would triumph in her professional career as a tennis player. According to King, Sharapova was fated to rule tennis from the very first time that she saw the Russian tennis star.

In an essay that King wrote for The Players Tribune, the 71-year-old recalled the first time the she saw Sharapova when the latter was only 13 years old. King knew then that Sharapova would become successful because of the Russian’s incomparable impetus and motivation towards the sport.

“From the first time I saw her I knew she was destined to become the No. 1 player in the world because she does have a real gift of talent packaged with a drive that is second to none,” King wrote. “Maria was emphatic about being the best in the world when she was a teenager and she did become No. 1, now she wants to return to the top of the rankings and she is totally committed to that goal.”

King also praised Sharapova’s strong work ethic, citing a previous statement made by the Russian’s agent Max Eisenbud back in 2012. King said that Eisenbud told her that Sharapova’s work ethic has not changed over the years. Sharapova has never gotten lazier. Instead, the current World No. 2 has worked hard on her weak points to improve her craft.

King has been successful in both her singles and doubles tennis career. She has won a total of 39 grand slam titles during her active years. She is a 12-time singles grand slam champion, including one Australian Open title, one French Open title, six Wimbledon titles and four US Open titles. She is also a 16-time doubles grand slam champion and an 11-time mixed doubles grand slam champion.

Sharapova’s Reign As World No. 1

Sharapova claimed the World No. 1 rank at the age of 18 years old on Aug. 22, 2005. She became the first Russian player to ever hold the top spot of the world rankings. However, her time as World No. 1 then only lasted for a week.

The last time that Sharapova has held the World No. 1 rank was on June 11, 2012. She has held the spot for five weeks until July 8, 2012. Currently, Sharapova ranks as World No. 2. She is 2001 points behind Serena Williams.

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