SHARAPOVA ON…

...beating Serena in the 2004 Wimbledon final: ‘What I heard when I came into the locker room was Serena Williams bawling. Guttural sobs...not long after the tournament, I heard Serena told a friend — who then told me: “I will never lose to that little bitch again”.’

...on her rival’s physicality, in her autobiography: ‘First of all, her physical presence is much stronger and bigger than you realise watching TV. She has thick arms and thick legs and is so intimidating and strong. And tall, really tall.’ (Maria is 5ins taller!)