I Don’t Believe in the Hype: Tennis Veteran Maria Sharapova Offers Pearls of Wisdom to Iga Swiatek

Maria Sharapova is back at SW19! Twenty years after her maiden title at Wimbledon, the 37-year-old Russian tennis player graced the center stage yet again. She was even spotted with her fiance Alexander Gilkes at the “best seat in the house” in the Royal Box on Wednesday (June 3). At 17, she rose to prominence when she outclassed Serena Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon finals, becoming the third-youngest woman to win the title. Now, what advice does this ‘history maker’ have for the new generation of superstars?

Sharapova hasn’t attended many tennis events since her retirement in February 2020, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and her pregnancy with her son, Theo. Even her 2-year-old was seen enjoying one of his mother’s favorite venues. Reflecting on her visit in an interview with Tennis Channel, Sharapova said, “My first time as a spectator here… I’ve never felt so relaxed or so glammed up to attend Wimbledon before.“ She also offered advice to athletes like Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka during that conversation.

While answering a question from Martina Navratilova during the show, she said, “There are so many distractions now. I feel like you know, you, we’ve kind faced with so many adversities, challenges, social media and we want to be at like 10 different places at the same time.“ According to Sharapova, “focus” is the real key to success! She further added, “I don’t believe the hype. The hype is so instant and it comes in and out so quickly. Just have even composure when you win and when you lose.“

Sharapova advises players like Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek not to get “too high” on victories or “big low” on tough moments, emphasizing the importance of finding a happy medium. That’s exactly where she thinks the “sweet spot” lies. She believes focus is crucial for young players. Both Osaka and Swiatek have had similar career trajectories, which might explain their desire to have Sharapova at their dinner tables.

“I love great company” – Maria Sharapova’s ecstatic reaction after hearing Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka’s recent wish
Recently both Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka were asked to name three individuals from the tennis world they’d like to have dinner with. Swiatek said, “Definitely Steffi Graf. I would like to talk to her and get to know her and share some experiences. I would also choose Maria Sharapova because we haven’t really spoken since she retired. The third would be Serena Williams.” And, the Japanese tennis star picked Andre Agassi, Li Na, and Maria Sharapova.

Upon hearing her name mentioned by both stars, Sharapova said, “Really? Oh, I love dinner, I love food and I love great company and a little gossip.“ She stated that since stepping back from the game, she hopes to enjoy more such moments. Maria Sharapova has always been a ‘fashion crush‘ for Naomi Osaka. However, Iga Swiatek admires the Russian’s ‘mentality’ more than anything else.