A career Yokozuna (=Grand Champion) has announced her retirement: Maria Sharapova.
Sharapova became the 17th female Yokozuna of the open era after winning her fifth grand slam at the 2014 French Open - almost ten years after her maiden Ozeki (=Champion) promotion following a sensational Wimbledon victory as a 17 year old. Sanyaku Tennis has Sharapova down as the 13th greatest female tennis player of the open era.
Sharapova was not without critics. In 2016 she was suspended for 18 months after failing to stop taking a drug that had been banned recently. And she was unfortunate to play in the same era as Serena Williams, against who she held dismal career record, including eight losses at grand slam tournaments (three finals). At the same time, Sharapova brought a star power to ladies' tennis that transcended her on-court success, and that greatly benefitted the game she played.
Fare well, Grand Champion. You will be missed.
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| Maria Sharapova |
Sharapova was not without critics. In 2016 she was suspended for 18 months after failing to stop taking a drug that had been banned recently. And she was unfortunate to play in the same era as Serena Williams, against who she held dismal career record, including eight losses at grand slam tournaments (three finals). At the same time, Sharapova brought a star power to ladies' tennis that transcended her on-court success, and that greatly benefitted the game she played.
Fare well, Grand Champion. You will be missed.
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