Indian Wells: The sometimes tense relationship between tennis superstars Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams may be taking a turn for the better over their shared love of fashion.
After winning her opening match at the Indian Wells hardcourt tournament, Sharapova seemed delighted to learn that Williams had tweeted that she thought the Russian’s outfit was “totally cute”.
“Really? Are those her exact words, ‘totally cute?’” Sharapova said.
Williams, who hasn’t played Indian Wells since 2001, concluded her tweet with “#approved”.
Sharapova and Williams were caught up in a war of words before Wimbledon last year, after the American took a dig at Sharapova’s romance with Bulgarian ATP player Grigor Dimitrov.
Sharapova hit back with comments on the American’s romance with her French coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
The two have since tried to smooth things over publicly, and Sharapova seemed intrigued by Williams’ tweet.
“I think we have to exchange designs,” Sharapova said. “We have to design an outfit for each other, without knowing — that would be fun to do, without telling each other what it is, just unveiling it.”
But Sharapova would draw the line at some designs — such as the kind of catsuit Williams famously modelled at the 2002 US Open.
“Well, I have to put an end to the idea of the catsuit on me,” she said. “I’m 26 already, so I think those days are over.”
The four-time Grand Slam winner and former world number one, who has collaborated with apparel maker Nike on designs for tennis clothing, offered insight into her fashion philosophy.
“I like to push the envelope a little bit but still maintain an elegant and classy look and appeal to girls that are playing Under 14s and junior tournaments, and appeal to ladies that are playing in a doubles league,” she said.
“There’s always a thin line because you have to create for different body shapes. It’s fun. I really enjoy it.”
She also keeps a keen eye on what her WTA rivals are wearing. “I think it’s fun to compare and critique — and gossip about it!”
