(Provided by Tennis World USA)
Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova met 22 times on the Tour, with the American dominating their rivalry with 20 victories! The 17-year-old Sharapova scored two wins over Williams in 2004 and never repeated that, standing no chance against one of the greatest players of all time in their remaining duels.
Williams delivered one of her finest victories over Sharapova in the 2012 Olympic Games final, toppling her rival in 62 minutes and writing history books! Serena completed a career Grand Slam in 2003 following the Australian Open title, setting her eyes on the Olympic singles gold medal.
Williams did not play in Athens 2004, and Elena Dementieva beat her in the 2008 quarter-final. At 30, Serena had a perfect chance to finally take the Olympic singles gold in London 2012. The American returned to Wimbledon a few weeks after conquering the fifth singles title at The All England Club and delivered incredible tennis in all six encounters.Thus, she became the first player in tennis history with all four Majors and the Olympic gold in both singles and doubles!
Serena had to beat five top-20 rivals en route to a historic achievement. It was hardly an obstacle for her…
