“I loved the occasion” – Maria Sharapova recalls upsetting Serena Williams to capture her maiden Wimbledon title in 2004

Back in 2004, a then-17-year-old Maria Sharapova shocked the tennis world by defeating the legendary Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final. Now, years later, Sharapova is reflecting on that unforgettable moment with warmth and pride, calling it one of the most special days of her life.

“I loved the occasion,” Sharapova recently shared. “It was the biggest match of my career at that point, and I was just a teenager going up against someone I truly admired.” For many fans, it felt like the torch was being passed from one tennis icon to the next. Serena Williams was already a dominant force in the game, and Sharapova’s win was nothing short of incredible.

The final wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Sharapova played fearless tennis from start to finish, using her powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness to secure a 6-1, 6-4 victory. What made it even more memorable was the calm and focus she displayed, despite being the clear underdog. “People didn’t expect me to win,” she said. “But I believed in myself, and I knew I had nothing to lose.”

That day at Centre Court remains one of the most iconic Wimbledon finals in history. It wasn’t just about the trophy—it was about courage, dreams, and making the most of your moment. “The crowd, the atmosphere, the feeling of being in that final—it gave me goosebumps then, and it still does now when I think about it,” Sharapova added.

Since that breakthrough win, Sharapova went on to become one of the biggest names in tennis, winning five Grand Slam titles in total. But even with all her later success, that first Wimbledon crown still stands out. “It changed my life,” she said. “It gave me confidence, it gave me belief, and it opened so many doors.”

Fans who watched that 2004 final will never forget the way Sharapova dropped to her knees after match point or the joy on her face as she held the trophy. For many, it was the birth of a new star.

Looking back, Sharapova doesn’t just remember the score—she remembers the feeling. “That day taught me that anything is possible, no matter how young you are or how big the challenge seems.”