Anastasia Zakharova Reveals Tennis Idol: Maria SharapovaRussian tennis player Anastasia Zakharova, currently ranked world No. 81, has opened up about the players she admired growing up. During a recent press conference, Zakharova discussed which tennis players she would like to resemble in terms of playing style.
The 22-year-old revealed that as a child, she looked up to fellow Russian and five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova. Sharapova, who retired in 2020, was known for her powerful baseline game and competitive spirit, qualities that clearly left an impression on the younger player.
Zakharova, who turned professional in 2018, has been steadily climbing the WTA rankings. Her acknowledgment of Sharapova as an inspiration provides insight into the influences that have shaped her own approach to the game.