As to whether her steely exterior might soften to today's peers in the women's game, Maria Sharapova might have a change of heart. The reason for that: one Billie Jean King, of course.
"She taught me that my example ultimately is an example for the generation to come," Sharapova said of King in this Australian Open's first week. "And when you're young, you don't necessarily think of things that way, you don't think what you say or what you do or how you are as a professional will influence the other generation. But it really, really does."
Sharapova shared with reporters that King invited her to the Los Angeles opening of the film about her career and life, Battle of the Sexes, which has been an awards-season favorite in terms of acting-category nominations. Sharapova accepted that invitation and enjoyed the experience, as well as the film.
In front of the media in Melbourne, she wasn't quite done in ruminating about tennis' place in her life. "Tennis is a very selfish sport," Sharapova added. "You have a team around you that do everything just for you in order for you to win. And although that's what it takes to be a champion, there's also a lot more to it, a lot of things that we have to think about that are not just about ourselves."
Sharapova, unseeded in the Australian Open draw, lost to world No. 21 Angelique Kerber in the third round.
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