World number one Serena Williams said during her press conference at Wimbledon on Sunday that she has already approached Maria Sharapova during a pre-Wimbledon party on Thursday to personally apologize for the things she may have said that offended the Russian during her interview with Rolling Stone in March.
Williams was reportedly quoted as criticizing a fellow top five player with “she begins every interview with ‘I’m so happy. I’m so lucky’ — it’s so boring. She’s still not going to be invited to the cool parties. And, hey, if she wants to be with the guy with a black heart, go for it.” The article writer made an educated guess that she may be referring to Sharapova.
Sharapova is currently dating Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov with the latter being linked to Williams in the past though the status of their relationship before was never confirmed. During her press conference on Saturday, Sharapova said that Williams “should talk about her relationship and her boyfriend that was married and is getting a divorce and has kids. Talk about other things, but not draw attention to other things. She has so much in her life, many positives, and I think that’s what it should be about.”
Williams is linked to her coach, Frenchman Patrick Mouratoglou, who has been instrumental to her success on tour since her first round loss at the Roland Garros last year.
Williams said that she approached the Russian during the party and said: “I want to personally apologize to you if you are offended by being brought into my situation. I want to take this moment to just pour myself, be open, say I’m very sorry for this whole situation.”
A source close to Sharapova said that the conversation took place. As for Williams, she believes that Sharapova has accepted her apology.
