Former tennis world No. 1 Maria Sharapova has praised Serena Williams for returning to competitive tennis while raising two children, describing the achievement as a special example of commitment and determination.
Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam singles champion, spoke about Williams’ comeback during an interview with PEOPLE at The Honest Company’s “The Mother of All Standards” event in New York.
Williams, 44, is making her return to the US Open this year after a four-year absence and has already featured in mixed doubles alongside Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz.
Sharapova said she particularly admires the example Williams is setting for her children by continuing to pursue her sporting ambitions while embracing motherhood.
The Russian former champion highlighted the commitment required to return to elite tennis, pointing out that the challenge extends far beyond competing on court.
According to Sharapova, training, recovery, nutrition and preparation all require significant dedication, much of which remains unseen by fans. She described Williams’ ability to manage those demands while being a mother as “special.”
Williams has returned to the tennis stage in New York after spending four years away from the US Open. The six-time US Open singles champion recently partnered with Alcaraz in mixed doubles before preparing to reunite with her older sister, Venus Williams, in women’s doubles.
The Williams sisters are scheduled to play together in New York, marking their first women’s doubles appearance at the tournament since 2022.
Sharapova, who retired from professional tennis in 2020, said she is comfortable with the chapter of her life following her playing career.
The former champion has since focused on motherhood, business ventures and other projects, including her podcast. She welcomed her first child, Theo, in 2022 with her fiancé, Alexander Gilkes.
Sharapova said she enjoys being a mother and remains involved in projects that continue to inspire and challenge her away from competitive tennis.
Also Read: Serena, Venus Williams reunite for US open doubles
Sharapova and Williams were major rivals during their playing careers, competing against each other on some of the biggest stages in women’s tennis.
Their relationship has since developed beyond their rivalry, with Williams introducing Sharapova during her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in August 2025.
Sharapova has previously spoken positively about the evolution of their relationship from fierce competitors to friends and fellow mothers.
At the New York event, Sharapova also shared the stage with former track and field star Allyson Felix, who is a mother of two and has discussed her ambitions to return to competition ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Sharapova said her conversation with Felix showed how mothers can continue pursuing demanding professional goals while raising children.
She described Felix as another example of a woman who has found a positive way to balance motherhood, ambition and career goals.
Sharapova also pointed to Naomi Osaka as another athlete balancing motherhood with a return to professional tennis.
Osaka, who has a young daughter, has previously spoken about the different priorities that come with motherhood while continuing her tennis career.
Sharapova said becoming a mother should not prevent women from continuing to pursue their ambitions.
She argued that women can dedicate time to raising children while still creating space for professional dreams and personal goals.
For Sharapova, the journeys of Williams, Felix and Osaka demonstrate how motherhood and sporting ambition can coexist, providing examples for women looking to maintain their careers while raising families.
People.com
