Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams: The two faces of success

Sharapova, on the other hand, has been unable to shrug off certain demons. The double-faults are very frustrating, something that a top player should be able to get rid of with practice. It seems to be a matter of holding nerve rather than skill and if that is the case, she loses her nerves quite often on the court. She is one of the most unpredictable players and that contradicts a naturally gifted player with an agile body and strength, with a strong forehand as her USP. One can’t help but feel that she could do much better with herself.

Maria Sharapova’s inconsistent brilliance was on show at this year’s French Open. Sharapova failed to win a game in the first set against her quarter-final opponent Jelena Jankovic, but came back with a vengeance to win the match 0-6, 6-4, 6-3. She made a similar comeback in her semi-final game against V. Azarenka, showing better nerves. Unforced errors remain a major drawback of her game as she seems to lose her concentration in brief phases of the game and has to pull herself together. Sharapova must acknowledge that lack in her game and work for improvement, and then perhaps close the gap on Serena.

Wimbledon will again be a test of character for Sharapova. It’s a place where Serena will be all the more confident – the clay court after all is not her territory – but Sharapova’s strengths will also be bolstered. It is hoping against hope that she will break the chain of losses, but the game has seen many more surprising upsets. One is reminded of the often quoted remark of Vitas Gerulaitis after he finally defeated Jimmy Connors to bring to close a series of defeats. He said, “Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row.” Maria Sharapova must go to Wimbledon with the same amount of pride, humour and hope.