Maria Sharapova Says She Admires Serena Williams’ Passion For Their Sport

Maria Sharapova has shared her thoughts on Serena Williams’ sporting attitude. According to Sharapova, she admires Serena’s passion and dynamic fandom for their sport.

Sharapova spoke in an interview with All Access Hour ahead of her participation at the 2015 BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells Masters, which was shared on Women’s Tennis Association’s official website. Among the things that she talked about was Serena’s comeback to the tournament after a 14-year-long absence.

Even though Serena’s Indian Wells’ comeback meant that the rest of the women’s lineup has a lesser chance of winning the title, Sharapova said that it was a “great decision for the tour and for tennis in general.” She said that she always wanted to play with the best players in a tournament. Serena and Sharapova are seeded first and second at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells Masters, respectively.

The Russian tennis darling said she has respect for Serena. She talked about Serena’s traits that she has high regard for. Sharapova knows that it isn’t easy to keep playing the sport for a long time. She knows that it requires an awful lot of hard work and sacrifices.

“I admire the fact that even though she’s achieved everything she has, that she still has the passion and desire to keep getting better,” Sharapova chimed in. “From a woman’s perspective, at one point when you’ve achieved so much and you’re so good at what you do, there’s always an option or an easier way, but she’s chosen the toughest way.”

At 33, Serena shows no signs of slowing down. The top-ranked American athlete recently bagged her 19th grand slam title at the Australian Open in January.

Both Sharapova and Serena are two-time champions at Indian Wells. Sharapova won the title in 2006 and 2013. Serena, on the other hand, was the champion in 1999 and 2001. They were drawn on the opposite sides, which means that they will only meet face to face in the finale.

Sharapova will play against Victoria Azarenka in the third round on March 16 (PDT). It will be a rematch of the 2012 BNP Paribas Open final. Sharapova trails behind Azarenka, 7-6, in their head-to-head record.

To report problems or leave feedback on this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.