How Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova's rivalry turned ugly

When Maria Sharapova defeated Serena Williams to win Wimbledon at just 17-years-old, the sports world prepared for a long and competitive rivalry between the two women. But as the rivalry became lopsided, the media painted a different picture of Serena and Maria. A feud emerged in 2013, and the two women became enemies.

[@KenyattaJaNelle]

Imagine beating someone 20 times in a row and someone calling it a rivalry!

[@comunidadaerea2400]

Well, well, according to the concept of rivalry , they are. competition for the same objective or for superiority in the same field. Serena retired in RG quarterfinal 2018 when she would face Maria, I think it was a good opportunity to beat Serena. But this rivalry it wasn’t only on the court. Serena also was complaining on media how Maria made more money than her because of being blond, tall, attractive. Some people said Serena dated with Gregor, but I don’t think so, there is not any proof about it, but at least one of them tried. Despite of all this, they are not enemies, they see each other in several events and they have personal communication by phone, but of course, there are now 2 business women, married, with children and many things on common.

[@hermosaflor10]

😂😂😂

[@Racketville]

Serena definitely owned Maria! They were rivals though, and a rivaly can be lopsided. They played each other over 20 times, competed in the same field for the same prizes, and Serena was a career-defining opponent for Maria. Had it not been for Serena, Maria may have won 10+ more titles. Serena's mastery over Maria is such an interesting piece of sports history.

[@isthatrubble]

it happens often in team sports, it's not that crazy. a rivalry doesn't need to be even, it just has to have energy

[@SagarRai-he3tq]

​@Racketville I think if Nadal Federer and joker didn't exist, Murray prolly would have10 plus titles

[@fajarsetiawan8665]

The racism in this rivalry was palpable. Just one streak of Wimbledon and suddenly a white blonde girl got all the sponsorships while Serena, even though she didn't care much about it, was still treated like a C-list celebrity.

[@deusexmachina9776]

if that is true then why is Osaka the heighest paid player now and why is Coco as well? why isnt every blonde girl who walks through tennis gets tens of millions?

[@Bobsam-m1p]

@@deusexmachina9776which blonde girl that has won more titles than the aforementioned isn’t getting the sponsorship deals are you referring to? Also, are you debunking racist allegations of 2003 by what happens in 2023? I.e., Would you say USA was not racist in 1950 because they had a black president in 2008?

[@fajarsetiawan8665]

@@deusexmachina9776 did you see that I used past tense here?? Or are you illiterate?

[@deusexmachina9776]

@@fajarsetiawan8665 i wrote 'now' - i clearly used present tense or r u illiterate?

[@jobuck879]

@@fajarsetiawan8665 Thank you. That person trying to place the two together even though it’s a 20 year gap is foolishly ridiculous.

[@kyletirion6137]

I don’t like this narrative that only Serena is super ‘competitive’ and doesn’t like ‘losing’. Every athlete at this level has this type of mentality. People don’t understand how Serena Williams fought her way through a very elite, white sports world, as a black woman. She needed to scream and shout to be taken seriously, even after winning many Grand Slams. She won and stood on the court giving it her all, even with major injuries, while dealing with grief and depression. She is not just a regular force in her own right. She is one of the best tennis players that ever existed. Still to this day, people don’t give her the same amount of respect and recognition she deserves! I like Maria Sharapova, and she is also an amazing tennis player, but the legacy that Serena Williams, and her sister, left is on another level. She paved the way for a lot of top-tier athletes we know today. People need to put some respect on her name and stop labeling her as a villain. It’s racist and disgusting.

[@tsonneckful1]

she said it herself on multiple occasions, even on her latest appearance in hot ones - she even said that she was so obsessed with winning that a some point all she felt was relief. go watch the hot ones ep, its a great one :)

[@majesty1842]

Who the f@ck names her as a villain? everyone loves her, she's inspiration for all young tennis players. Where u get all of those "everyone hates her". All Successful ppl are hated but she has much more ppl love her

[@adamlarsson3828]

@kyletirion6137 excellent and rational response. thank you.

[@Racketville]

Thank you for bringing this up! It's sometimes tricky to talk about a POC's ambition without some people viewing it as grating or course or unsavory. All elite athletes are competitive, but I think what made Serena better than all of them is that she had a winners mindset. That hyper-competitve mentality served her well, but made things difficult in a white sport where racist people didn't want her there in the first place.

[@Jeremy-f3s]

@@kyletirion6137 her behaviour at times was abhorrent and disgusting and race has nothing to do with it, her performance during the Naomi Osaka final was the worst entitled virtue signalling behaviour I have ever seen from a tennis player and there was no excuse for it.

[@tbam73]

They embraced her because she was pretty, thin and Blonde. Tell it, correctly

[@misc_13_13]

White!

[@davidrodney2577]

And white

[@notknown6605]

Not pretty😂

[@محمدسمير-ف5ث3ي]

And she is a woman

[@medalgearsalad1419]

Very pretty 😊

[@BhayekaTshazi]

Thank you for pointing out Serena had achieved more but had less sponsorships

[@poluticon]

her bad attitude and sportsmanship were major turnoffs for sponsors

[@realityassured]

​@@poluticonThat's rather selective! Was John McEnroe a choir boy🤔Or any of the other players who broke rackets, had arguments with umpires and line calls! Call a spade a spade..The Media perpetrated a narrative.. created a personality for mostly white America to crucify as ghetto because a new lily white princess won two games against the big bad black girl! No matter she was Russian..She was white! The endorsements gate was flung open with a two games win but totally forgotten was the resilience of champions that create history a lesson never learned by America! Generational talents don't know skin color..

[@BhayekaTshazi]

@@poluticon okay

[@poluticon]

@@BhayekaTshazi it’s true

[@theramden6025]

She had the world against her about her looks and stood up for herself as she should have. I'll take her 200m net worth. She's hosting Espys this year.

[@BFick478]

Rivalry??? A 20-2 record against someone is hardly a rivalry. All hail the QUEEN of Tennis Serena Williams ❤

[@lars-christianhilleke2503]

Serena outclassed every tennis player in her time, her own sister included. If she's ever got rivalries, the one with Maria is definitely among them.

[@hermosaflor10]

Exactement 👍

[@ВикторМорев-в2ы]

Maria Sharapova broke the winning streak of US tennis players in women's singles at Wimbledon (1999 - 2003), which lasted since the last Millennium. and the series was interrupted precisely by S.Williams.

[@ВикторМорев-в2ы]

​@@hermosaflor10. Maria Sharapova prevented Serena Williams from winning Wimbledon three times in a row.

[@notknown6605]

Serena had more of a rivalry with Venus tbh

[@sonquatsch8585]

what an excellent point. took my breath away.

[@iamshadowbanned699]

Henin and Capriati also gave Serena a harder time than Maria did.

[@abhinxndh]

@@sonquatsch8585sarcasm or not it's true

[@sonquatsch8585]

@@iamshadowbanned699 yes right to henin hardin.

[@thelaurels13]

This wasn’t a rivalry. After the Wimbledon win Sharapova NEVER beat Williams again, hardly a rivalry.

[@freretuck5466]

Actually did the same year at the Masters. But that's it

[@fuckurbody]

She did it again in season ending championship. But yes, this was NOT a rivalry. The press wanted it to be, the WTA pushed it to be but it was not

[@jobuck879]

@@freretuck5466 You’d have to put an asterisk on that win. Serena played injured at the YEC 2004 finals but she refused to forfeit that match. Sharadopa was fist pumping and celebrating points that Serena lost due to the injury. But then after that…Sharadopa never won another match. N E V E R.

[@gdannyrebel3115]

Don't forget the bin for drugs

[@AFCompany]

Serena lost to her again that same year. At least follow tennis if you are gonna comment.

[@Tunainthebrine79]

This was NOT a rivalry. Serena was 20-2 against Maria. The media wanted a rivalry so bad and Serena had much more important and even rivalries than Sharapova. Even with the drugs that she was on, she still lost nearly all of her matches against her. Sharapova simply was not even close to the level of Serena.

[@lars-christianhilleke2503]

What drugs?

[@yeharshhai]

@@lars-christianhilleke2503 steroids

[@Jeremy-f3s]

You don't understand the concept of a rivalry, a rivalry has zero to do with stats, it's emotion based, and Sharapova was still number one in the world just like Serena, and they met constantly in finals and Sharapova did beat Serena, it's a rivalry.

[@emmanuelbazimya2057]

What “rivalry”? One has 23 Grand Slam titles and the other is Maria Sharapova.

[@rajibrana7480]

steroid slam

[@truthseeker3376]

​@@rajibrana7480hating much😅

[@lilshsjsj1904]

@@rajibrana7480 weak

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

You may want to look up the word rivalry. It can be one sided but it still qualifies. Rivalry doesn't mean it's equal

[@emmanuelbazimya2057]

@@A-small-amount-of-peas I was just playing around. Maria Sharapova was a great Tennis player, even if Serena was a much superior player in the end.

[@fauxgars736]

They weren't rivals, she was never on Serena's,level. She got lucky once or twice but she knew herself that Serena was top notch player.

[@gruntled7621]

Serena Williams, a true legend. Many times at her best, tgere were times she looks like she will lose a match only to dig deep and win. Her forehand was powerful yet looked effortless.

[@lars-christianhilleke2503]

Saying it like that, Serena didn't have any rivals at all. If she had though, Maria's surely one of them.

[@vidhead85]

I was never big on Shaparpova and I felt some kind of way about her. Serena and Venus faced a lot that white players would never have to face so I felt protective over them

[@Daxxxsanjuan]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@chimierc5920]

The fans were sold a storyline? So you're conveniently the racist tropes Maria described Serena as in her book? Or the fact that she pictured Serena as the Goliath to her David? How she also accused Serena of gamesmanship in her book, such as falling over on the court on purpose? The fact that you mentioned nothing of the racism that led to Maria being better treated and courted by the tennis media and corporations than a person who accomplished more than four times what she did on court, nor of the fact that Maria herself bought into said racist tropes and beliefs about Serena is unsurprising and unfortunately means you DID rewrite history by wilfully ignoring a huge chunk of the context behind the story.

[@Bienville25]

Amen! It makes this whole video pointless.

[@uttamcp5016]

Spot on

[@hridyansh-san5270]

💯 agreed

[@yuvi12sonurafa]

What racist tropes did Maria use for Serena??

[@Bienville25]

@@yuvi12sonurafa How about doing your own research and educating yourself. There have been numerous articles spanning decades about this. Just Google: Maria Sharapova Serena Racism.

[@whatever3041]

What rivalry? lol. Serena won overwhelmingly. You can call Serena Hingis a rivalry and Serena Henin a rivalry but Serena Sharapova NO!

[@dontbabyme]

Rivalry can be not just on court wins. It can be about getting more commerical deels as well, or Maria dating her ex who dumped Serena. For many years Sharapova was named richest female athelete year after year, even tho she lost to Serena on courts////

[@Tate525]

​@@dontbabymeSpeaking strictly about Tennis itself, there is no rivalry between the two. One is clearly miles ahead, outside of sponsorships and money Maria could only dream of achieving what serena did.

[@Billy_Hodges31]

@@dontbabymeYou’re one of those people that lose an argument, so you begin bringing up things that have nothing to do with the topic at hand😂😂. Anyone with common sense knows the term “rivalry” (when athletes are mentioned) is speaking of in-game head-to-head. No one speaks of Magic and Bird’s rivalry but says “Magic had more money than Larry though”.

[@blueskys2010]

Serena's biggest rival were Her sister Venus and Hingis during her early career. Thats it, none can doninate her in term of a match up.

[@andrews6341]

And Capriati

[@madgavin7568]

What about Henin, Capriati and Dementieva? Serena had a competitive rivalry with all of them.

[@KrazyNigerian14]

A very lopsided rivalry. Let’s not forget Sharipova was doping and still losing to Serena 😂

[@eliellz1235]

‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@lars-christianhilleke2503]

The medication Sharapova used (for all her career) only got illegal in january 2016 and she got caught in march 2016. I don't even think they played with Sharapova on this then illegal substance.

[@clicklynn]

It was actually a politician thing and many people from other sports were caught because of the sudden change in the laws

[@tbam73]

Her book didn't help her persona and its an absolute insult to call Sharapova her rival. Absolute insult. Plus she played dirty.

[@Ronnie-k6m]

Who did?! Serena?!

[@Tate525]

@@Ronnie-k6m Sharapova.

[@sahimilai266]

@@Ronnie-k6msharapova

[@CoClock]

How did she play dirty?

[@Ronnie-k6m]

@@CoClock vs Stosur, vs Kim, vs Osaka..

[@jobuck879]

As someone who lived through this, it was easily seen as blatant racism and favoritism. Serena was the better player but everyone refused to acknowledge her or Venus. They wanted anyone to be on top as long as it wasn’t Venus or Serena. Look at the facts, who got more attention, who got more endorsement, who did the announcers and the crowds praise and cheer for?? Even though Serena was the greatest player, they wouldn’t give her the respect she earned. I mean even Mary C said after Serena crushed Maria “Maria is still the better player…” like seriously. They were very few commentators who were fair about Serena -John McEnroe being one of them. Serena and Venus elevated the sport but were pushed behind for Maria who is a cheater. It was obvious then and it’s obvious now. But in tennis ability Serena had the best game. Maria had one game-hit the ball hard and if that isn’t working…hit it harder. Serena was a multi-dimensional player that’s why she ended up winning 23GS.

[@deusexmachina9776]

Iga is white and has more slams than Osaka yet Osaka still gets paid more and has more followers.

[@jobuck879]

@@deusexmachina9776 I see comprehension is not your strong suit. Times have changed--slightly-so that’s the difference between now and then. We’re talking at least 20 years difference. Look at the objective data. Back when Venus and Serena started there were only 2 other WTA black players-Zina and Chanda. Now look how many black players there have been since 2000. Your lame half ass attempt makes us see how racist you are to defend such a delusional statement. Sponsors are now more aware and can easily be shown their racist bias and behavior versus when Serena and Venus began their rise. You cannot place the same logic in two different eras.

[@jobuck879]

@@deusexmachina9776 You cannot compare 2004 to 2024 when it comes to sponsorship and world views. If you don’t know then I suggest you go watch a history documentary. In 2004 what other top WTA black players were there beside Venus and Serena and they were at one point #1 and #2 in the world and still didn’t have the sponsorship of Maria.

[@deusexmachina9776]

@@jobuck879 yes cant compare 2024 to 2004 because now a less accomplished none white woman is earning more than te more accomplished white woman.

[@byronhay1648]

Well said. Racism rules.

[@Leomerya12]

Maria got so much publicity BECAUSE she beat Serena. Also, it was 2004, and EVERYONE who wasn't Black or a diehard Serena fan wanted to see Serena fail in a big way. Tennis is (still) a pretty racist sport (and please look up what "racism" actually is before you come for me. It doesn't mean, "I hate these color of people"). The women have always been more progressive when it came to race and sexuality, but on the men's side, it's still very much a ("straight") White man's club. It's changing, with the influx of Asian talent, but still, very monolithic. I pay close attention to who is in the support boxes of the male players, and the players of color usually have mixed boxes, but the White players are almost always all-White. Not to mention that they almost always have White girlfriends. So, what does this have to do with Serena and Maria? Because Serena challenged the perception of what a successful tennis player looked like, and by beating Serena on the biggest stage, Maria restored it.

[@deusexmachina9776]

tennis is racist: the top 3 heighest paid tennis players in 2023 were not white

[@broncoguy4862]

The pearl clutchers couldn't cope with two confident young black women with an outspoken coach/dad who predicted they would dominate the sport.

[@Ronnie-k6m]

Wada allowed Serena to take certain drugs, while Maria was busted for a previously legal substance. American bias..

[@_TheKhanhArtist_]

I figured you would have added that the beef was continued after Maria Sharapova returned from her suspension of taking PED's. Serena's husband wore a "DARE" shirt signifying anti-drug usage to troll Maria Sharapova

[@noellybanana]

Serena is far more successful than sharapova in tennis. Sharapova was loved more because she was gorgeous, skinny, and white. Sharapova broke into the modeling comercial and acting industry as well while being an amazing tennis star which made her loved more by society. But this was no rivalry with them two, Serena gets more black flash even with 22 more grand slams than Maria. Maria clearly doesn’t compare to Williams level.

[@royceskepagny6182]

Serena won 23 Slams. Sharapova won 5 Slams. That’s a difference of 18 Slams.

[@razz.8925]

​@@royceskepagny6182😂😂😂 typical serena fans, put a lot of effort to hate sharapova and forget how to do proper math.

[@theramden6025]

Facts!

[@nchlsjohn]

@@royceskepagny6182Serena won 20 of their matches and Maria won 2 of their matches. That’s also a difference of 18 lol

[@ZoraSearch]

She's not even gorgeous. She was skinny and blonde. Very plain face.

[@broncoguy4862]

20-2 H2H for Serena isn't a rivalry, it's total domination. That's why Sharapova turned to doping, and she still couldn't beat Serena.

[@fisherflush]

Meldonium isn’t doping … it’s a bullshit I took it for years and had no effect on stamina and strength it’s a heart protector with no evidence of doping effect

[@lars-christianhilleke2503]

The other way around. Sharapova took the medication for all her career and it was only declared illegal in 2016. She then got caught 2 months later. I don't even think they played each other during that time. So if you will Sharapova didn't turn to doping, doping turned to Sharapova. Not saying it wasn't illegal at the time, but it's not at all like Sharapova was on any illegal substances for more than 2 months in her career, so portaying her the way you do might be a little unfair.

[@ВикторМорев-в2ы]

​@@lars-christianhilleke2503. Maria Sharapova broke the winning streak of US tennis players in women's singles at Wimbledon (1999 - 2003), which lasted since the last Millennium. and the series was interrupted precisely by S.Williams.

[@ВикторМорев-в2ы]

Maria Sharapova prevented Serena Williams from winning Wimbledon three times in a row.

[@paulosdavids7558]

SERENA is the Biggest Name in this Whole thing.

[@KailamiMwiinga]

There was no rivalry just evidence for inequality

[@reginaldmelton623]

Shav was doping positive. Put serene was da most tested

[@Ronnie-k6m]

Wada allowed Serena to take banned drugs!!

[@gunner4life568]

@@Ronnie-k6m where is the proof? you probably just saying so that someone who hates serena will convince themselves that is a fact so just to feel better

[@Ronnie-k6m]

@@gunner4life568 you could google Serena & Wada..

[@_VISION.]

@@Ronnie-k6m COPE

[@baibhabii]

Serena was ranked no. 1 by WTA for 319 weeks while Maria was ranked no. 1 for only 21 weeks. there's no rivalry here. Maria was simply called the it girl because of her conventional caucasian looks

[@nanonkay5669]

Some of this has to be racially motivated coz off of 1 Grand Slam, she received more love and publicity than someone way more accomplished??? Not to mention only 2 wins was enough to classify it as a "rivalry". Nah c'mon y'all 😂😂 how desperate do you gotta be to want your "it girl" be considered a rivaling player?

[@theramden6025]

How do you have a rivalry and you get beaten 17 times. Something else going here.

[@maduabuchithankgod98]

Not 17 it's 20

[@Kvant925]

Solid video. I was sad to see how fast Maria got her deals and attention. Yes it’s amazing to see, but knowing those sisters struggled not only for their skin, but also their build is disappointing. Especially when it’s sports, majority of the best male athletes look like musty thumbs and they get deals.

[@donna25871]

And it’s been repeated with Emma Raducanu so received all those endorsements and deals on the back of her US Open win. But it’s not surprising as she has the same manager as Sharapova.

[@AFCompany]

Maria Sharapova did not receive big endorsements until she proved herself by winning Wimbledon at 17. While Venus got a 40 million dollar Reebok contract (biggest ever for a female athlete at the time) before she even won a major. It is important to know your facts before just claiming victim hood and spewing lies like the Williams got nothing based on their skin when the exact opposite is true.

[@AFCompany]

@@donna25871Max Eisenbud is an extremely good manager who gets his clients amazing deals. He was even with Li Na and at one point Sharapova and Li Na were the top two earners in endorsements for female athletes. So he is somewhat to thank for Sharapova’s great marketability. However when it comes down to it, Sharapova cared more about tennis than anything else. Radacanu did not keep tennis as her main priority.

[@royceskepagny6182]

@@donna25871It’s not about their manager. It’s about their looks. Raducanu and Sharapova are both seen as very attractive young women. Very attractive young women get a lot of offers outside of their sport.

[@ToOpen6seven]

@@royceskepagny6182 Venus and Serena were (and still is) very beautiful women, but they were darker, more muscular and BLACK!!

[@egyptian_thoth]

Thank you for pointing out that Serena was coming off injury at Wimbledon. Serena wasn't ready. Serena had already beaten her in 2 sets easily before Wimbledon. Maria would have gotten sponsorships even if she didn't beat Serena as Kournikova did. So, Maria didn't get sponsorships for beating Serena, she got them for being White and blonde. It's called racism. That's why Karma got Maria and she got caught for doping, when for years they tried to act like it was Serena who was doping. At the end of the day, Maria paid the price for that money because she'll go down as a doper in tennis history forever.

[@madgavin7568]

Racism? Okay, why didn't Henin or Capriati get the attention or endorsements that Serena got?

[@Carolina-iz7zn]

If Karma got Maria then the next person is Serena for what she did with Osaka.

[@nenala7684]

This video would have been so much better if you talked about the BLATANT racism she experienced at the time 😢

[@DoomShell055]

Came from TikTok, keep promoting the content. It’s great!

[@Racketville]

Thank you! Many more coming soon! ❤

[@seanwalker6052]

There mat have been beef. But barely a rivalry. Sharapova didnt have close to the career and their head to head showed it. Their history is more about media, and audience manupulation and perception and societal value than competitive equality

[@truthtorpedo4068]

Racysm.

[@cornpopisabaddude]

serena faced some crazy disrespect and still does

[@babygirlwade]

It's not a rivalry at 20-2, its DOMINATION. Get it right, Serena owns Maria on the court.

[@egyptian_thoth]

Let's take a moment to recognize that the Rolling Stone journalist MADE UP assumptions and Maria took the bait because she wanted to and so did others like Navratilova, who took Maria's side. Maria was obsessed with Serena and mentioned Serena in her book over 130 times. Sharapova even said she used to watch Serena through a peephole in a shed. That was creepy. Serena never mentioned Sharapova. Sharapova was mad that she knew that Serena wasn't going to let her win and there was nothing her lily White skin and blonde hair could do about that.

[@kingtutankhamun402]

Wonder Woman vs Blunder Woman is hardly a "rival".

[@SHTennis89]

Has no one read sharapova’s biography? She couldn’t stand Serena

[@imnobodywhoareyouu]

I read it. She kinda couldn’t stand anyone 😅

[@billpugh58]

Being Russian and pretty doesn’t help

[@notknown6605]

Can’t imagine wanting to read anything she wrote

[@imnobodywhoareyouu]

@@notknown6605 can’t imagine you reading at all 😅

[@Tate525]

​@@imnobodywhoareyouuYeah not reading one less garbage book, puts his/her reading & comprehension skills in Jeopardy.

[@random-dc3xr]

One took drugs and is a cheater. It's literally as simple as that.

[@mei2473]

Maria was never Serena’s rival lmfao

[@misc_13_13]

Maria was also taking medications considered as "performance enhancing drugs."

[@Ronnie-k6m]

Wada allowed Serena to take certain drugs, while Maria was busted for a previously legal substance. American bias..

[@LekzolA]

Didn’t Maria get drug banned? They are not the same.

[@Ronnie-k6m]

Wada allowed Serena to take certain drugs, while Maria was busted for a previously legal substance. American

[@AntzzM3ndes]

This is great 👌 It brings back so many memories from the past 20 years watching these two. People say it's not a real rivalry because of their H2H, but results don't make a good rivalry. The tension, competitiveness, atmosphere, and back story created their rivalry. The played hard and left it all out on the court. That is what's lacking a bit with the current players. Also, great to see them catching up at events and speaking so fondly about each other now that time has passed.

[@bw2082]

Who is your toughest opponent? Everyone: Serena Sharapova: Monica Seles 😂😂😂

[@deusexmachina9776]

That statement was made in Auguster 2005 - Sharapova lead their head o head 2 -1

[@jnayvann]

In August 2005, the head to head was actually 2-2.

[@Listenthenspk]

Great video... Definitely not a rivalry at all... Serena demolished. Maria and her 2004 win at the year in championships should have an* by it. However, I will say women's tennis needs this to generate interest. Right now with the absence of these two and Petra kvitova and Azrenka Not being it there imperious best... Women's tennis just is not that interesting right now.

[@dark3rthanshadows]

it's like Kobe and the Detroit Pistons back in the day ,it was a rivalty but not really a Riivalty

[@dontbabyme]

Rivalry can be not just on court wins. It can be about getting more commerical deels as well, or Maria dating her ex who dumped Serena. For many years Sharapova was named richest female athelete year after year, even tho she lost to Serena on courts////

[@Tate525]

​@@dontbabymeCope harder.

[@BobbySyGo]

Serena gave "the eye" to almost every player she played, even Venus when she beat Serena early in their careers.

[@satyajitbanerjee3073]

But Maria Sharapova wrote this nasty book much of which was about Serena

[@sarcasticsid5589]

Serena lives in a whole mansion in that woman mind rent free 😂😂😂

[@KingFishdom]

Serena has shut so many doubters and haters up for 2 decades ❤

[@mikedee171]

There was blatant racism against Serena, Sharapova was loved because she was white and blonde

[@mayarimayari8322]

rivalry? 20-2 Is not a rivalry, it’s a massacre lol.

[@thearchivechannel]

Do you know the meaning of "RIVALRY"? You can google it. It's free. Playing against each other for 22 times is indeed a rivalry. You laugh at yourself because you comment based on wrong understanding of "rivalry". LOL

[@ashandesilva9455]

@@thearchivechannelplaying each other 22 times means they both just entered the same tournament 22 times genius 😂

[@thearchivechannel]

@@ashandesilva9455 Hahaha. No, they played each other 22 times. They played in the same tournaments more than that. Sometimes they entered in the same tournament but they didn't play each other. What do you understand about RIVALRY?

[@dontbabyme]

Rivalry can be not just on court wins. It can be about getting more andorsement deels as well, or Maria dating her ex who dumped Serena ////sooo....

[@WickedRichie]

Honestly pretty impressive Sharapova massacred her in the bank account lol

[@maccas207]

Not sure why you kept implying Serena was upset about Sharapova being a millionaire, so were dozens of star athletes around this era, it was very common for athletes to capitalise of their fame with deals etc. At this point Serena was already a multi-millionaire herself. She's now worth a billion dollars. This is not a rivalry, either in sports or financially. It's a footnote for Serena. Serenas only true rival was Venus.

[@robertabize]

This video forgot to mention an important word: racism. Must have been frustrating for Serena to go through all this comments after she had accomplished so much, but the problem is def not Sharapova. It's always so much easier for white woman in general.

[@shukeihakuteiken8207]

Maria herself even admitted that they didn’t really have a rivalry because she lost so much to Serena.

[@itownie]

Based on the way maria spoke about serena in her book, i would say there may have been some beef

[@itownie]

Maybe one sided who knows

[@juji5427]

It was very much one sided haha 😂

[@edwinalas11]

So I watched this entire video and at the end thought to myself "god damn this guy is good", the storytelling, the simple editing, the callbacks, the border, the thumbnail and title. You are incredible man. I have ZERO doubt you can be the very best in this Tennis space.

[@t14dann18]

Serena and Maria was not really a rivalry. Serena had MUCH more depth to her game, was way more talented, and was leagues more intelligent on the court with her strategy and tactics. Yes, they both had their bad moments on the court, but overall, it's like making a video about the great rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem. It's kind of a category error to call them rivals

[@dark3rthanshadows]

it's like Kobe and the Detroit Pistons back in the day ,it was a rivalty but not really a Riivalty

[@dontbabyme]

Rivalry can be not just on court wins. It can be about getting more commerical deels as well, or Maria dating her ex who dumped Serena. For many years Sharapova was named richest female athelete year after year, even tho she lost to Serena on courts////

[@Tate525]

​@@dontbabymeCope.

[@AsianJidionkk]

@@dontbabymerivalry means these two are close. Serena has 23 grand slams while the blond girl isn’t even in double digits

[@aliceevans2180]

They get on now, apparently. They've taken photos together, apparently have discussed motherhood together and speak well of each other. With intense rivalries there's always going to be moments where people quarrel, get annoyed with each other and even catty, but after on reflection they can enjoy a good/ civil relationship. Great video!

[@chosenone6823]

Great video keep it up

[@tatyanayakusheva1378]

I personally think, it was not just about winning. yes, they were both super competitive, but It was more on a personal level. Some women are this way. Serena had to fight her way since she was a little girl, it was not easy for her and her family. Maria and her family struggled as well, and she had to fight her way up too. I feel Serena was pissed that media was broadcasting Maria way more, contracts, etc. because in addition to be a great tennis player, Maria attracted media by her beauty, tall, blonde, etc. Serena simply was jealous as a woman. Women are very sensitive to this. It was more personal, because Serena won most of their matches, but she still was pissed with Maria. I don't think she was right in that respect to be nasty to Maria. Maria never put her down on a personal level. Well, I hope they are ok now.

[@noahhfox]

Favorite new channel! Love the videos so far!

[@NoloMabetoa]

There was one clear winner on the court. They are not equals.

[@zidesce7961]

This is extremely well made, good job!

[@misc_13_13]

They faced each other 22 times, with Serena dominating the head-to-head record. Serena won 20 out of 22 of their encounters, while Sharapova managed to secure just 2 victories!

[@keylime5595]

Legit never watched tennis in my life, but you are such a great story teller and now I believe I am a tennis fan. Also I came from the tik tok!

[@LawDog88]

The 2012 Olympics and the 2007 AUS Open was a classic example of an a$$ whipping and I was here for all of it!!! There was no rivalry on the court….maybe off, it NEVER on the court…

[@allthingsashley_]

I know that Olympics loss hurt Sharpova to the core. It was a massacre.

[@LawDog88]

@@allthingsashley_ complete ass whipping....

[@LawDog88]

@@allthingsashley_ complete and utter ass whipping....

[@ZaneAnderson1]

Well done analysis! Came from TT and glad I did! What a time period the 2000s and 2010s was for tennis! Glad I got to watch it all unfold. I have to agree with you, the beef was just being competitive but like most I took the bait and loved the drama 😅

[@justjosh1992]

Imagine being beaten 18 times by the same person in a row damn

[@lorylubs6724]

I don't understand why in America you consider Maria Sharpova the greatest rival of Serena Williams. It probably pleases the usual white press. You have to stop this nonsense. Maria Sharapova does not even come to Serena's knees. Serena's biggest and strongest rivals are Justine Henin, Azarenka and Venus.

[@jordancarter4158]

I liked your layered analysis here. I think most commentaries are missing essential points you made. This “rivalry” was definitely fueled by the media while also not even looking like anything close to being a competitive one, after 2007 hit. Serena was able to overcome her injuries while Sharapova was just not able to-even with doping being found by her. I hope you do more analysis videos like this because it’s extremely enjoyable.

[@michaeltrapp1985]

Venus was Serena's biggest rivalry

[@andrews6341]

And Capriati to an extent

[@skatingcanuck9837]

You are so right that the media loves to pit two women against each other and call it a rivalry. It makes for a good story.

[@andrews6341]

Hardly a rivalry . If anyone Serena had a real rivalry with it was with her sister and Capriati.

[@bcoxal]

Not much of a rivalry when you refuse the way you play against Serena no matter how many times you continue to lose to her.

[@phenom2911]

super underrated channel

[@Ttjam1]

There are only three videos 😅

[@scorpionx7044]

Maria and Serena was complete one way traffic with Serena completely dominate. It's only the media, who wanted to prop up Maria to justify the fact that she was making so much more money than Serena, who called it a rivalry.

[@soblessed2176]

It’s Crazy to say Serena was her rivalry when Maria has LESS GRAND SLAMS THAN VENUS!!! Venus has 7 & till this date of ACTIVE Woman PLAYERS……. NO ONE HAS 7!!! SMH!~✊🏾

[@malaychiacraig1061]

recently i’ve been more interested in tennis and I love having details about my interests. thanks for making this so enjoyable

[@pincodechuks6919]

I don't see the two woman as rival tbh because if you minus 23 grandslams to 6 i mean you know

[@Shubham-zn1ww]

Sharapova would have won 12-15 slams if Serena wasn't there. Not saying that she is GOAT, but SERENA was really in the way of so so just so many slams for Shara!

[@ВикторМорев-в2ы]

Russian Women have defeated Serena Williams a total of ten (10) times at various singles tournaments en route to the Titles. Maria Sharapova (Wimbledon 2004. WTA tour Championships, Los Angeles 2004.); Vera Zvonareva (Cincinnati 2006.); Elena Dementieva (Kremlin Cup 2007. Olympic Games in Beijing 2008. Sydney 2009. Toronto 2009. Sydney 2010.); Svetlana Kuznetsova (French Open 2009.); Dinara Safina (Berlin 2008.). only five (5) different Russian Tennis players have won singles Titles since defeating Serena Williams. of those tennis players who have ever become number 1 in the WTA rankings. Serena Williams, Russian Tennis Players won the most number of times. as many as ten (10) times en route to the singles Titles.

[@paulosdavids7558]

Serena is a Warrior

[@682justin]

Great work! I’ve never followed tennis, and this was really immersive documentation

[@Chloe_Ray]

Maria spoke about this rivalry and relationship with Serena in her autobiography. I think you should have included this in the video

[@Tate525]

Lol there is no rivalry between the two, Maria is not even close to Serena's level.

[@Chloe_Ray]

@@Tate525 Serena dedicated a song to Maria at the ESPY gala 2 days ago. you can call it whatever you want, rivalry or not, but definitely Maria and Serena meant a lot to each other

[@christopherkent8188]

This is such a great video, can’t believe you don’t have more subs!!!

[@saurabhvashist4051]

Serena's poor sportsmanship had a tendency to spoil special career moments for many tennis players, be it Clijsters in 2009 US Open SF, Stosur in 2011 US Open Final and Osaka in 2018 US Open. The US media has presented her as a glorified figure in the sport but certainly apart from her GS wins, she has an image problem in tennis where she doesn't rise to the level of a Graf, Navratilova or Evert. The truth is that the US media has been complicit in trying to cover Serena's problematic image for the benefit of US Tennis and simply being patriots. Brands, deals and the money gravitated towards Sharapova because she was media savvy, brand and image conscious from the get go, something that Serena did not figure out until almost the latter half of her career. Her poor sportsmanship diminished her brand value. This wasn't much of an on court rivalry, but Sharapova was the highest earning female athlete in the world till 2015 for 11 consecutive years. And Tennis players don't make as much money from prize money as they do with off court deals and brand endorsements. Sharapova earned $39 million in prize money but made over $300 million dollars off court (Source: Forbes).

[@JohnDoe-bl8xd]

Maria got canceled for cheating lol. Serena didn’t. Serena had endorsements, made millions off court as well and she will be remembered as one of the best tennis athletes period lol. Maria will be remembered for that Wimbledon win, her horrible record against Serena, being the highest paid female athlete for a while, and her drug admission lol. Serena being unsportsmanlike in your opinion pales in comparison to Maria’s positive (cheating) drug confession lol. White owned Media will look fondly on her career, but that’s it lol. Serena won in the end. There was never an on court rivalry lol. Your long winded troll rant (y’all always make them long lol) doesn’t matter. Serena WON lol.

[@deusexmachina9776]

this is so true and applies to Novak as well. He has broken the records yet Carlos is more loveable. Being a great player earns respect but a problematic image means fans wont gravitate towards them. People keep saying Novak isnt as liked as Rafa and Roger cuz of his country of birth, but Novak just isnt charismatic or as well behaved.

[@deusexmachina9776]

@@JohnDoe-bl8xd So Serena will be remembered by the 'white owned media' as the best athelete of all time. your racism narrative makes no sense then.

[@vrushalidhongade5725]

Serena is an icon. No one else matters.. all due respect. More power to all the ladies though, the media can be cruel and racist.

[@Vonp_]

20-2? A nail and a hammer have a relationship. Not a rivalry.

[@westley5735]

Keep up the great work! Especially about women’s tennis!

[@joeyaigot3499]

I don’t see the rivalry here 😂, all I see is a pretty white tennis player who got big headed when she won ONE time against the GOAT. She’s lost more times to Serena then she’s won a grand slam. 😂

[@adinya4860]

I know that’s right. they want to downplay play Serena , she is the GOAT of GOATS!!!!

[@guntherultraboltnovacrunch5248]

They have played 22 times before with Williams winning 20 times and Sharapova being victorious 2 times. They have played 48 sets in total, with Williams winning 41 and Sharapova winning 7.

[@ВикторМорев-в2ы]

Maria Sharapova broke the winning streak of US tennis players in women's singles at Wimbledon (1999 - 2003), which lasted since the last Millennium. and the series was interrupted precisely by S.Williams. Maria Sharapova prevented Serena Williams from winning Wimbledon three times in a row.

[@deusexmachina9776]

Sharapova's branding and marketing helped her - especially her dressing like Zendaya today. Her kits were fitted to suit her pear shape with an appropriate length to her shorts, the colors that matched. Even when she won Wimbledon she had a timeless look. She didt take too risks much and just stuck with i which some found boring. Serena too a long while to find her style, a lot of her outfits and wigs havent aged well as they didnt suit her body type, face, skin tone. It was around 2012, when she started dressing great - the us Open outfit was a cut hat suited her body. Brighter with colors to contrasted her skin tone very well. Branding is a powerful thing.

[@broncoguy4862]

Uh huh...so lily-white Sharapova and her flat chest is the fashion plate and curvy Serena's fashion sense was crap? Your veiled racism is still racism. Do better.

[@KailamiMwiinga]

There was nothing Serena would have done to be liked. Look at Venus who has a different personality to Serena... It is very clear the tennis world loved Sharapova over the Williams

[@deusexmachina9776]

​@@KailamiMwiinga Sharapova was loved more than Henin, Danvenport, Clijsters and other multi slam champions and former world numbers 1s

[@KailamiMwiinga]

@@deusexmachina9776 Henin and Maresmo owned the French/Belgium crowds, Davenport had the US crowd, Clijters was average. Don't think Serena was ever supported to such levels anywhere...

[@deusexmachina9776]

​@@KailamiMwiinga what? Serena made more in sponosers than Davenport, Kim, Henin and Maresmo - that wouldnt have happened if she had no suport

[@truthtorpedo4068]

Imagine becoming the GOAT, IN SPITE of people who hate you for the colour of your skin! Serena 'THE GOAT' Williams.

[@OniSpumoni]

i liked this video a lot. i've always been of the mindset that serena, in her time, was more dominate in the sport than any other titan in their respective sport. her being black and in a space where black people were not as welcome prevented her from getting the roses she duly deserved. anyway, loved this video and i came here from your post on tiktok. i make videos on here as well, so i assumed you'd want that information. take care and keep at it

[@harrycooper5231]

No, Serena wasn't even the most dominant in Tennis "in her time." Steffi Graf was so dominant in her time, she won the Golden Slam. Serena couldn't even win the grand slam.

[@k.alvarado6237]

@@harrycooper5231 Serena in tennis had had more impact on the sport than steffi ever did.

[@harrycooper5231]

@@k.alvarado6237 Sure, if that's what you want to think. I was just pointing out that in her prime, Graf was more dominant of the two.

[@k.alvarado6237]

@@harrycooper5231 - dominance is relative considering Serena was a part time tennis player her whole career and a full time celebrity the rest of the time. Steffi played tennis.. and that was it.

[@harrycooper5231]

@@k.alvarado6237 Graf won the Grand Slam, Williams couldn't, thus Graf was more dominant. This isn't opinion, this is fact. It is listed in the record book. But don't trust me, go and look at the record book for yourself.

[@astonishing1993]

That 2005 semi-final is one of my favourite matches to watch highlights for - they are both crushing the ball and the intensity is so high! and also knowing that this is where Serena started turning the H2H round, and was Maria's last close chance at a win. great recommendation

[@jeremyd5850]

I feel like it’s was more beef between Henin and Serena than Maria. That explosive French open match. Serena telling other players she isn’t Justine. When accused on gamesmanship. Justine mysterious retirement from tennis at number 1 in the world. Serena commented on that.

[@deusexmachina9776]

breaking news: women want kids and retire from pro sports to have babies when it is medically safer in their 20s.

[@jeremyd5850]

@@deusexmachina9776 nice try. She retired in December 2008 and January 2011. She had Laila in March 2013. So blaming her multiple retirement on kids is not truthful. Justine said she retired because of mental health and her chronic elbow injury which never made sense to many. The 2008 was bizarre because she was number 1 in the world and many said it was because of failed drug testing.

[@deusexmachina9776]

@@jeremyd5850 so everyone who wants a baby should be pregnant weeks after retiring?

[@deusexmachina9776]

@@jeremyd5850 Steffie had her first child in a similar time frame

[@jeremyd5850]

@@deusexmachina9776 again based on her statements she said the first retirement was because of mental health issues. The second retirement was because of chronic elbow injuries. Where are you getting pregnancy from…

[@adamlarsson3828]

you don’t mention until quite late in this upload that Serena’s sister, Yetunde, was brutally murdered in autumn 2003. Serena was suffering from clinical depression and the effects of the knee injury (- and subsequent surgery) that she endured in summer 2003. Officials at the very the top of WTA placed pressure on Serena to return to the tour before she was physically or mentally ready to return. why? - money and tour sponsorship. television ratings dropped heavily when the Williams sisters were absent from the tour. Serena was a shadow of the player that she had been ^until she began training again, seriously, in the late spring of 2006. in 2004 she suffered losses to players, all the way through to early 2006 that were unthinkable in the previous years. Serena was also hitting fewer winners and more unforced errors in her matches during this period. any top 20 - ranked player could have defeated Serena in the Wimbledon 2004 final. Serena was very fortunate to get past Amélie Mauresmo in an ugly three-set final showcasing how badly Serena’s footwork [and overall game] had degraded. it is important to place all of these things into perspective. i know more about the background because i have met people inside professional tennis. Serena did not ‘hate’ Maria at all - she could not forgive **herself for losing the Wimbledon final and allowing the entire tennis establishment to wallow in what it had long desired, with intensity: the ‘end’ of the Williams sisters and the establishment of a glamorous young (~ white) player that appealed to middle-aged and older men. middle-aged and older make journalists that, for most part, detested Serena Williams and disliked both Williams sisters. the reality is that Serena she could not forgive herself for allowing the tennis establishment to celebrate and glorify her demise. Serena, in her mind, had to correct that. There was an intensity to Serena’s matches with Sharapova matches but i would contend that this was far more to do with Sharapova and pressure placed upon her [by her father, two particular coaches and the agent ME] to achieve a win against a player that simply had far greater weapons, significantly greater weight of shot and [a player that] simply hit more winners, frequently far more winners.

[@k.alvarado6237]

Serena had to defeat what Sharapova represents.

[@got2bjosh]

Exactly.

[@Ronnie-k6m]

Serena was jealous

[@k.alvarado6237]

@@Ronnie-k6m - and who could blame her. Being better and performing better .. and getting less.

[@Ronnie-k6m]

@@k.alvarado6237 she got plenty. She's super rich. Just jealous

[@k.alvarado6237]

@@Ronnie-k6m - well.. she destroyed Sharapova for 15 years plus. So I’m sure she’s good now.

[@paulosdavids7558]

Serena has fought through many battles since 1999...she has even extended her influence with the new rising stars

[@clivepilusa7734]

Rivalry? Please. Maria Sharapova wasn't even a gifted tennis player. Her prominence was the product of her being a classically beautiful European female. One needs only observe the likes of Taylor Swift to see just how little talent is required to be a star when you already have blonde hair and are a marginally attractive white woman.

[@Tpainlilbro]

I didn’t hear you say she was doping at the same time

[@loolikyl0005]

I heard that their rivalry (outside the court) started when they were both dating or wanting to date the same man namely Dimitrov and Maria Sharapova won that one hands down.