Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams are no longer rivals, they’re friends.
In an interview with Gayle King at the Time 100 Summit in New York City on Wednesday, Sharapova admitted that the two ended their long-standing feud when Williams inducted Sharapova into the International Tennis Hall of Fame last year.
“I can’t call this a rivalry,” Sharapova, who retired from active duty in 2020, told King. “She kicked my butt so many times.”
Their rivalry began when 17-year-old Sharapova infamously upset 22-year-old Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon final. Williams defeated Sharapova in 19 of the next 21 matches.
Sharapova said that despite their competitive history, “the first person that came to mind” as a candidate for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame was Williams, 44.
“I went through some of the most difficult moments on the court with her and some of my biggest victories,” Sharapova said.
“After all, we have a very deep respect for each other,” the Russian athlete continued. “There was no one I wanted to see other than her on stage, so I had no choice but to make a phone call.”
Sharapova revealed that she had personally contacted Williams, joking that “we have become very good friends since he retired.”
After Sharapova texted Williams, Williams called Sharapova and the two spoke on the phone for “over an hour” about their careers and personal lives, including their children.
“And in the end, I thought, ‘By the way, could you please induct me into the Tennis Hall of Fame?'” Sharapova recalled.
Sharapova said Williams, who will retire after the 2022 U.S. Open, “prepared like a real athlete” for her induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame last August.
“And no one knew,” Sharapova added of Williams’ involvement in the ceremony. “Even my dad, who was sitting next to me when she went on stage…”
Sharapova added: “I wanted it to be a big surprise for everyone, and I felt that at the venue.”
Two days after the ceremony, Sharapova told People magazine that she was grateful to Williams for “turning out in droves and giving an incredible speech.”
“It was really thoughtful of her to allow herself to be there,” Sharapova continued. “I think she also understood how big of an impact it would have.
“Yes, it was a really special moment,” she added.
