The no-love lost match between Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova heats up
LADIES favourite Serena Williams apologised last night as her spat with rival Maria Sharapova threatened to spiral out of control.
Tensions rose after the American world No 1 took a swipe at a rival player in a magazine interview, saying: “She begins every interview with, ‘I’m so happy, I’m so lucky’ – it’s so boring.
“She’s still not going to be invited to the cool parties’.”
Statuesque Russian Sharapova instantly assumed Williams was referring to her, possibly because she is now dating Williams’ ex, handsome Bulgarian player Grigor Dimitrov.
The 26-year-old has endured a frosty relationship with 31-year-old Williams.
And she hasn’t managed to beat her on court in nine years.
At the weekend, Sharapova, the world No 3, responded to the magazine article, saying: “If Serena wants to talk about something personal, she should talk about her relationship and her boyfriend who was married, who is getting a divorce and who has kids.”
Williams is now romantically connected to her married coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
Last night five-times Wimbledon ladies’ champion Williams said: “I’m the first person to apologise, to reach out if I feel that something may have been misconstrued.
“She also said I should definitely focus on the tennis. I feel like that is another thing I can definitely take her advice on.”