Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has said that unlike American superstar Serena Williams, she is not looking to play until the age of 36.
Sharapova, a former World No. 1 was in conversation with the German newspaper Bild, where she shared her views about her plans for the future. The Russian diva made a rather controversial return to the WTA tour in April after serving a 15-month suspension for doping.
She admitted that her goal for the next few years was to stay healthy and fully fit so that she could take part in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. On being asked whether she would play competitive tennis until the age of 36 like the 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena, Sharapova replied: “Now I cannot imagine that. But you should never say never. I want to get to 2020 and be at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. But if it does not happen, it will not be a disappointment either. “
Over the years, all kinds of speculation have been made about Sharapova’s attitude towards fellow WTA players, but she has hardly shared her opinion on the subject in public. However, Masha dropped a massive hint about the kind of relationship she shares with other players on the tennis circuit.
She said: “In a way, tennis is a very individualistic sport. On the court you are alone. You have a team that works just for you. On the court I do my job. There I am totally concentrated, I have always been. I have never been distracted. Off the court I have a completely different life; there I am another person. “
