Former world No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova opened up about her interactions with five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova.
“For a while, Maria Sharapova and I played together on the national team. However, it seemed difficult for her to play in Russia. I could see a reflection of myself in her situation.”
“It seems she grew up with a different mentality. She appears to be more American in her worldview.”
Kuznetsova continued, “I never discussed this with her directly. But I believe she had a similar experience to mine. We left Russia, developed our tennis careers abroad, and then, when you come back, the childhood memories, the lack of acceptance, and disbelief in you somehow indirectly affect you. It also seemed very challenging for her to compete in Russia. I think she won only one match out of the three or four she played in Russia.”
When asked again about Sharapova`s mentality being more American, Kuznetsova responded, “We interacted a bit, but Maria always kept to herself. During national team events, we communicated slightly more, but not closely. Indeed, her mentality is more American. For instance, when we discussed something like Birkin bags, she genuinely couldn`t understand the appeal. But overall, she is very approachable. I understand why she created a distance – so many people want things from her,” Kuznetsova said in an interview on Fedor Smolov`s Smol Talk podcast.
