Maria Sharapova places Serena Williams among world's most notable athletes

In the recent podcast, Maria Sharapova rated Serena Williams as one of the greatest athletes of all time, praising Serena's desire to extend her career and chase that 24th Major crown.

Sharapova retired almost a year ago following an early Australian Open exit, giving her best to overcome that nasty shoulder injury but deciding to wrap up her career and embrace family life. Serena was the most notable rival of the five-time Major champion, playing 22 times with a one-sided outcome. The young Russian stunned the American in that famous Wimbledon 2004 final and a couple of months later at the WTA Finals, becoming Serena's most serious rival.

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Williams prevailed over Sharapova in the Australian Open encounter in January 2005 and never looked back, beating Sharapova 19 consecutive times and dropping only three sets in those encounters! Sharapova and Williams met for the last time in the US Open 2019 first round, and Serena earned a tremendous 6-1, 6-1 triumph, the one that illustrates their entire rivalry.

Serena is seeking the 24th Major title this year, spending a two-week quarantine period in Adelaide and shaping her game ahead of the Australian Open that starts on February 8.

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"Well, I do think Serena would definitely be somewhere on top of that GOAT list when we consider every sport, no doubt. Her achievements are incredible. She's won over 20 Majors and still competes for more," Maria Sharapova said.