Maria Sharapova Slays Forbes’ Rich List, Responds To Williams’ Criticism Of Her Book - UBITENNIS

Maria Sharapova Slays Forbes’ Rich List, Responds To Williams’ Criticism Of Her Book

The world No.30 wasn't afraid to speak her mind following her loss at Roland Garros on Wednesday.

By Adam Addicott
4 Min Read
Maria Sharapova (zimbio.com)

Former world No.1 Maria Sharapova has dismissed the hype surrounding lists such as Forbes’ 100 richest athletes in the world amid an ongoing row over gender equality.

The American business magazine, which Alex.com ranks as the 250th most visited website in the world, recently unveiled their list of the 100 highest earning athletes in the world. Although not a single female athlete made the cut. Triggering questions about gender equality in sport when it comes to endorsements and earning potential. Last year Serena Williams was the only female player to make the top 100 at 51st with an estimated $27 million in earnings.

Sharapova was questioned about the absence of female stars following her loss at the French Open. The five-time grand slam champion crashed out of the Quarter-finals to Garbine Muguruza in straight sets. Instead of expressing concern about the topic, Sharapova questioned the validity of Forbes’ latest findings. Leaving one journalist having to go on the defensive against the Russian.

Sharapova: Do you believe in that list?
Journalist: Well, it’s based on certain factors, but…
Sharapova: Which are what?
Journalist: Economic factors of perceived earnings.
Sharapova: “Perceived” is the word we’re looking for.
Journalist: It could be a male journalist writing this, irrespective of whether the facts and figures are correct or not…
Sharapova: I guess that would be your job to find out.

The Forbes’ rich list is based on a methodology they use. They rank athletes based on all prize money they have earned (including salaries and bonuses) between June 1, 2017 and June 1, 2018. When it comes to endorsement calculations, their findings are based on conversations with ‘dozens of industry insiders.’

“I think my answer to that (the debate on female athletes) is that I don’t take those lists very seriously.” Sharapova concluded.

Serena’s comments

Sharapova, who has recently returned back into the world’s top 30, also hit back at Williams following her French Open loss. On Saturday the 36-year-old spoke out against comments that were  made about her in Sharapova’s memoir Unstoppable. Especially when it came to their clash at the 2004 Wimbledon final.

“I think the book was 100 per cent hearsay,” said Williams. “At least all the stuff I read and the quotes that I read, which was a little bit disappointing.”

Responding to Williams’ allegation, the 31-year-old insisted that she wouldn’t write lies in her book. Arguing that it would be ‘strange’ for her to not write about the American considering their rivalry. Sharapova trails Williams 3-19 in their head-to-head (counting walkovers).

“I think we played many matches. Some of those matches were very defining for me. It would be very strange, I think, if I didn’t write anything about her. I think everyone would ask me questions, as well.” Explained Sharapova.
“When you’re writing an autobiography, I don’t think there is any reason to write anything that’s not true.”

Sharapova concludes her clay season with a win-loss record of 12-4.

Leave a comment