"One of the most shocking and stirring endorsements for the wonders of motherhood" - Tennis fans react to Maria Sharapova calling Serena Williams "much better" than the current generation

Maria Sharapova recently revealed that she encouraged Serena Williams last year to make a comeback despite her injury troubles. Sharapova tried to convince the 23-time Grand Slam champion to return by saying she was much better than the level of competition currently on the WTA tour.

The pair met at the Met Gala last year, where Sharapova told Williams that she owed it to herself to test her mettle against the current crop of players.

"We spoke about it at the net last year during this time of year and I said no disrespect to this generation but you are so much better and you need to go out there, so I’m glad that she had a chance here,” Sharapova said.

With Sharapova's words making the rounds on social media, tennis fans were quick to react, with some agreeing and others not. One said that her statement made them a fan of the former World No. 1, despite Sharapova's doping-related offenses.

"What is this ?? Her positive doping test is now wiped from her record ?? Sharapova showing respect to the Queen has now made me love her," the fan said.

Another fan said that they would be interested in seeing the current generation of players take on their predecessors.

"I would like to see this generation playing against 2012-2015 players. That would be a complete beatdown," the tweet read.

One user noted that Sharapova is best placed to give an opinion on this topic, as she has faced, and beaten, some of the best players of her generation.

"Sharapova knows about playing in tough generations. And also how to win in them," the fan said.

Not everyone was in favor of what Sharapova said though, with one fan noting that Serena Williams hadn't won a Grand Slam title in many years.

"Serena hasn't won a Grad Slam in almost seven years," the tweet read.

Here are some more fan reactions:

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Serena Williams to walk away from professional tennis career following 2022 US Open 3R exit

Serena Williams in action at the 2022 US Open.

Serena Williams shocked the tennis world last month when she announced her plan to retire from the sport she had dominated for more than two decades. The US Open, her home Grand Slam, was the final tournament of her illustrious career.

Williams entered New York this year with the world's eyes on her. Packed stadiums greeted her and cheered for every move she made.

The American began her campaign with a 6-3, 6-3 defeat of Danka Kovinic. In the second round, World No. 2 Anett Kontaveit gave her a scare before going down 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-2.

Up against Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round, Williams fought hard after losing the first set, taking the second via a tie-break. However, she ran out of steam in the decider, exiting the competition with a 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-1 loss.