Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has revealed her admiration for men’s No. 1 and No. 2 Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Sharapova, who was ousted by Angelique Kerber in the third round of the Australian Open, insisted that she wasn’t seeking to replicate the success Nadal and Federer have had after returning from their lengthy injury layoffs in 2017. However, she was certainly inspired by how they went about their business in order to resurrect their careers.
The Russian superstar also mentioned that she was motivated to perform at the highest level and was putting in the extra effort to get back on top of the game.
“I think everyone has their own path,” Sharapova said.
“I definitely take great examples of a Federer or a Nadal or a Serena and Venus [Williams] that have continued to have the motivation that they do at this age, the commitment and the work they’re able to put in.
“It’s not just walking through a Grand Slam tunnel and getting on court.
“There’s so much more to it.
“I have a lot of admiration for that because I know what goes into creating those moments and getting to that stage.
“Yeah, that definitely inspires me, absolutely.”
But Sharapova also acknowledged that managing injuries is extremely hard when you are in your thirties.
“It was hard after having shoulder surgery,” Sharapova added.
“At the time I didn’t really have many choices because the serve that I had before my shoulder surgery was hurting me after the surgery itself. That’s why I worked through a few different abbreviated motions.
“Every Grand Slam that I’ve won, I’ve had a different service motion. I probably had, like, four or five since the surgery.
“There’s no easy solution.
“I think the toughest thing about it is the older you get, you become comfortable with routines and what you’ve done for so long.
“Changes are tough. We like to keep, you know, what we know. We want to keep it, especially if it’s helped us and if it’s won us Grand Slams.
“But at certain points in your career, if you’re faced with a challenge, you’re faced with an injury, you have to make those adjustments, if you’re able to break through and become successful with it, win another major, win a few more, it speaks a lot more for who you are as a person, as a competitor.”
