Serena Williams' ex-coach Rick Macci hails Maria Sharapova as "one of the mentally strongest players" he ever trained

Serena Williams' former coach Rick Macci has lauded Maria Sharapova over the Russian's mental strength. Sharapova shot to international tennis superstardom after she caused a shock upset over Williams in the final of the 2004 Wimbledon Championships. The Russian would go on to win four more Majors and become the World No. 1 before retiring in 2020.

Maria Sharapova left her native Russia at an early age and moved to the USA, primarily to learn tennis. This is where she became a pupil of iconic coach Rick Macci, who has also trained former World No. 1s Jennifer Capriati, Venus and Serena Williams, and Andy Roddick in the past.

During Sharapova and Macci's days working together at the latter's academy in Florida, the veteran coach learned first-hand about the Russian's competitive spirit. Previously, Macci has recalled how Sharapova's hunger to win often made up for the weaknesses in her game. The Russian was not regarded for her athleticism, but she often made up for it through her mentality.

Recently, Macci took to X (formerly Twitter) and shared a video of Maria Sharapova clinching match points to win the 2006 US Open final against Justine Henin. The video featured the coach's assessment of the Russian when she was an 11-year-old learning her craft under Macci's supervision. Macci told Tennis Week Magazine in 1998:

"At age 11 I feel that mentally she's already in a bubble, she'll be number 1 in the world someday."

The veteran coach added a caption to his post, writing:

"One of the mentally strongest players I ever taught Maria Sharapova!"

Reigning ATP World No. 1 Jannik Sinner had expressed his appreciation for Sharapova's mindset two years ago.

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"Maria Sharapova is a very special person" - Jannik Sinner in 2022

Jannik Sinner (Source: Getty)

Jannik Sinner, the current World No. 1 and reigning Australian Open and US Open champion, was one of the rising stars in men's tennis in 2022. At the time, the Italian revealed that he had practiced with Maria Sharapova on multiple occasions. Following his first-round win at the 2022 Dubai Open, Sinner spoke highly of the Russian during a press conference.

"Of course, the mentality. She had an incredible mindset. I was lucky to get to know her a little bit more. We practice also a couple of times together on court. She is a very special person I think. And what she has done for the sport is also great. Yeah, I think I was just lucky to get to know her."

Maria Sharapova retired in 2020 as a 36-time WTA Tour-level titlist. The Russian also won the women's singles silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Recently, it was confirmed that Sharapova would be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame for her achievements and contribution to tennis.