Musa
Serena Williams, one of tennis’s greatest legends, recently opened up about how often she thinks about her longtime rival Maria Sharapova—“all the time,” in fact. This revelation comes amid a fresh wave of doping scandals rocking the tennis world, putting the spotlight back on past controversies and the complex relationships between the sport’s fiercest competitors.
Williams and Sharapova’s rivalry was one of the defining stories of their era. From epic battles on the court to contrasting personalities off it, they pushed each other to new heights. But as Serena reflects on those intense days, her thoughts also drift to the shadow of Sharapova’s doping suspension back in 2016—an incident that sent shockwaves through tennis and sparked endless debate about fairness, integrity, and trust.
The current doping scandals only amplify these questions, forcing players and fans alike to grapple with the sport’s ongoing fight against performance-enhancing drugs. Serena’s candid admission highlights the complicated mix of respect, rivalry, and concern that lingers beneath the surface. It’s a reminder that beyond the fierce competition, there’s a shared struggle to keep tennis clean and fair.
While Serena never publicly judged Sharapova harshly, her constant thoughts about her former rival underscore how much those moments shaped her career and mindset. In a sport constantly battling its demons, Serena’s reflection is both personal and a poignant call to protect the integrity of the game they both love.
Musa
Olaniyi Ayoola