Maria Sharapova Reveals Why She Would’ve ‘Hated’ Playing Against Steffi Graf: “She’s the Ultimate Professional”

Steffi Graf called time on her career in 1999 at the age of just 30. Two years later, Maria Sharapova turned professional. As a result, the two former players never had the chance to face each other.

Sharapova, who recently started the Pretty Tough podcast, spoke glowingly of Graf’s personality and her tennis skills, joking that she would never have wanted to be at the receiving end of Graf’s slice. The German was known for her intense focus, which enabled her to complete the Golden Slam (winning all Majors and the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year) in 1988 at the age of just 19.

Things I liked about her were that she was all in. There were no distractions. I feel like so many stars today…like they are faced with just opportunities, doing things off the court, and a lot of that is great, but when I think of Steffi, I think of the ultimate professional, and what does that lead to? Greatness. It leads to greatness.

Maria Sharapova said on the Rushmore podcast

Graf, since calling time on her career, rarely makes public appearances. Known for her calm and composed demeanor, Graf was also a fierce competitor, clinching 103 singles titles (third most), including 22 Grand Slam titles. She also spent 377 weeks at the top of the rankings table (the most on the WTA Tour).

I have gotten to know her…very stoic, very calm. Nothing seems to faze her…like just very professional about how she goes, and that was inspiring because when you go to the top, you look at the greats, like how did they handle success? She was a great example, and that slice, I mean…I would have hated to play against that slice.

Maria Sharapova added

Sharapova, on the other hand, lifted 36 singles titles, including five Grand Slam titles, and called time on her career in 2020. Last year, her old foe Serena Williams inducted her into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Coco Gauff puts her name in the same bracket as Maria Sharapova

The Italian Open is underway, and Coco Gauff has progressed to the semifinals for the fourth time. Gauff came from a set down to knock out Mirra Andreeva to schedule her semifinal match against Sorana Cirstea, who defeated four-time Grand Slam singles champion Aryna Sabalenka in the third round.

Gauff’s latest win has made her the third youngest player (22 years and 53 days) to reach 15 semifinals in WTA 1000 events, behind only Martina Hingis and Maria Sharapova.

I definitely think I played much better in this match. Especially with my forehand and return, I think I did well in those aspects. Obviously, I would have liked to close it out a little earlier in the third set. She raised her level a lot. Still, I put myself in a winning position in practically every game. Overall, I’m happy with how I played.

Coco Gauff said at the press conference

Gauff reached the Italian Open final last year but failed to go past home favorite Jasmine Paolini. She is chasing her first title of the season after failing to do so in the Miami Open final, where she lost to Sabalenka.

The two-time Grand Slam singles champion last lifted a title at the 2025 Wuhan Open. Last year on the clay swing, before her defeat in Rome, she lost the Madrid Open final to Sabalenka. But at the French Open, the American ace took her revenge on the four-time Grand Slam singles champion with a three-set win in the final.

Also read: Alexander Zverev Slams Court Conditions in Fiery Presser After Italian Open Exit