3 wholesome things Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova have said about each other over the years
Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova are two of the biggest names in the world of tennis. They have carved out legendary careers with their incredible talent and determination. While they have made the headlines innumerable times for their on-court genius, the pair's off-court connection has also been noteworthy.
Over the years, Djokovic and Sharapova have maintained a friendly relationship which has deepened with time. Despite the fierce competition that often characterizes the world of professional sports, they’ve consistently shown mutual respect and admiration for each other.
Djokovic stood by Sharapova at a time when many of her colleagues had refused to support her. Their friendship stands strong to this day, as the pair were seen enjoying a stroll on the streets of Montenegro in July.
Let's explore three wholesome moments where these two tennis icons have shared words of kindness and admiration for one another.
#1 "Maria Sharapova's impact on the sport, not just women's tennis, but tennis in general, was great, it still is great" - Novak Djokovic
Days after Maria Sharapova called time on her career in February 2020, Novak Djokovic said that, according to him, the Russian had a 'great' impact on tennis in general.
“Her impact on the sport, not just women’s tennis, but tennis in general, was great. It still is great,” said Djokovic in Dubai as quoted by PTI via AFP.
“She’s a very smart girl, someone that I know very well for a long time. She has the mind of a champion, someone that never gives up. She’s shown that especially in the last five years,” he added.
Sharapova retired due to recurring injuries in her final years on tour. She finished with five Grand Slam titles. Notably, she was 17 when she won her first Wimbledon title in 2004 and she is one of the few players to have won all four Grand Slams.
“She had a lot of obstacles and difficulties, especially with her injuries and everything that she had to endure in order to give herself at least another chance to play competitive tennis,” said Djokovic.
“For someone that has won five Grand Slams and has been No. 1 of the world, a legend of the sport. She should be proud of everything she has achieved,” he added.
#2 "I feel for her with all that’s happening and I just hope she gets out of this stronger" - Novak Djokovic
In March 2016, Maria Sharapova was provisionally suspended due to testing positive for meldonium during the Australian Open in January. The substance was added to the banned list from January 1, 2016. The Russian admitted to consuming meldonium but stated it was for medical reasons.
Novak Djokovic, as a friend, supported Sharapova and hoped she came out of it stronger.
"I obviously wish her all the best. I’ve known her for a long time. I feel for her with all that’s happening and I just hope she gets out of this stronger,” Djokovic told TMZ.com.
Sharapova was initially suspended for two years but her sentence was lowered and she returned to the tour in April 2017.
#3 "I don’t remember anything about who we played with, but I remember this dinner and this old-school camera" - Maria Sharapova
During the lockdown imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, tennis players got creative and used social media to great effect. At the time, Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova joined each other on an Instagram Live that lasted over an hour.
The Russian narrated a hilarious story about them from before 2008. Djokovic had not won a Grand Slam yet and Sharapova did not know him well but the pair were pitted against each other in a mixed doubles exhibition match.
"I was young and you were young, way before you had any Grand Slam titles. I think we were playing mixed doubles against each other, and you said that if you won, I would have to pay for dinner – and I said, ‘Okay, who is this kid?” Maria Sharapova said.
Sharapova ended up on the losing side and the pair went for dinner.
“So we did! You pulled out this old Kodak camera and you asked the waiter to take a photo of us, and I was like, ‘This feels like I auctioned myself off for this dinner,’ and here we are! I don’t remember anything about who we played with, but I remember this dinner and this old-school camera,” she added.
Djokovic laughed during the whole narration. However, he confirmed the validity of the story which proves how far back their friendship goes.