Maria Sharapova believes Serena Williams still has what it takes to compete at the top level

Despite their intense rivalry that spanned over a decade, retired tennis pro Maria Sharapova claims that longtime foe Serena Williams still has what it takes to remain competitive on the WTA tour.

Williams and Sharapova have clashed 22 times on the WTA circuit, with the American holding an impressive 20-2 lead over her Russian colleague. The duo last met in the 2019 US Open, where Williams triumphed 6-1 6-1, with Sharapova retiring from the sport more than two years ago.

Conversely, Williams has been on a quest to capture a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam singles title. However, injury and lack of match fitness have halted her progress, as she has missed the last two Major events after retiring due to injury in the first round of Wimbledon last year.

Nonetheless, Sharapova believes the 40-year old Williams still has what it takes to compete at a high level, and joked in a recent interview that although she and Williams were ‘old now’, the US icon still has more left to give.

“We just saw each other in a match in New York a few weeks ago,” said Sharapova in an appearance on the 'Never Stand Still' podcast. “We were discussing how old we are now compared to the US Open final. She was like, ‘oh goodness we are up there.’ And I was like, ‘Woah! You still got it girl.”

Sharapova ended her career with five major titles and is one of just seven women in the open era to win the Career Grand Slam. As for Williams, it’s unclear when we might see her compete again, but her most likely chance at equaling Court’s record is surely at Wimbledon, where she has won seven times in the past.