"What did Serena Williams show me? Nothing" - When Maria Sharapova made strangely blunt admission after Australian Open defeat

Maria Sharapova (L) and Serena Williams (R) (Image Source: Getty)
Maria Sharapova (L) and Serena Williams (R) (Image Source: Getty)

Maria Sharapova once candidly assessed her crushing defeat to Serena Williams at the 2005 Australian Open. After upsetting the American in the 2004 Wimbledon final and holding a 2-1 winning record in their rivalry, Sharapova appeared to have an upper hand heading into their thrilling showdown, but Williams changed the narrative with a stunning performance.

The duo locked horns in a highly anticipated semifinal showdown at the Melbourne Slam, with Maria Sharapova dominating the opening set to win 6-2. However, Serena Williams staged a dramatic comeback to clinch the second set 7-5 and force a decider, despite the Russian serving for the match.

The American then fended off three match points in the third set to claim a 2-6, 7-5, 8-6 victory after a thrilling two-hour and 39-minute battle and advanced to the Australian Open final.

During her post-match press conference, Sharapova was asked what Williams had demonstrated with her incredible comeback. However, she delivered a curt response, asserting that the American had shown her "nothing."

"What did she show me? Nothing," Sharapova said.

Despite the blunt remark, the Russian acknowledged that Serena Williams capitalized on her chances better during the contest. Sharapova also commended the American for raising her level under pressure and finding a way to turn the match in her favor.

"I thought it was a great match. I, you know, like I said, I gave it all I got and she gave it all she got. If you don't take your chances in this sport, you know... I mean, the match could have gone any way, and she took her chances and she played well when she needed to. And that's the difference," she said.
"Uhm, I think she got better as the match went on and she started to pick up her level. In the previous matches, I took my chances. In this match, she took her chances, and that's why she won," she added.

"Serena Williams is one of the best competitors out there" - Maria Sharapova on American's 'fighting spirit' after Australian Open exit

Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova in the 2015 Australian Open final - Source: Getty
Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova in the 2015 Australian Open final - Source: Getty

During the same press conference, Maria Sharapova acknowledged Serena Williams as one of the best competitors on tour, crediting the American's remarkable fighting spirit for her ability to make impressive comebacks from losing positions.

"Well, I think she's one of the best competitors out there. I mean, she's been in those situations when she was down in the third set, and out of nowhere she knows how to turn it around. And, again, that comes from experience, that comes from her fighting spirit. But, you know, hopefully I'll learn and I'll improve," Sharapova said.

Following her win over the Russian, Williams pulled off another stellar comeback victory against Lindsay Davenport in the 2005 Australian Open final, winning 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 to clinch her seventh Grand Slam title.

Serena Williams' triumph over Maria Sharapova also marked a turning point in their rivalry, as the American went on to register 19 consecutive victories over Sharapova and establish a 20-2 lead in their head-to-head record.

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Edited by Urvi Mehra
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