Difference between Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic
Tennis is a sport that certainly isn't lacking in notable figures, and few are as noteworthy as Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic. Both have has had remarkably outstanding careers marked by characteristic playing styles, and their accomplishments make them worthy of comparison. Here then is a look at the careers and playing styles of these two remarkable tennis figures.
Profile
Maria Sharapova is a Russian professional tennis player who was born on April 19, 1987. She previously held the No. 1 rank in professional tennis all over the world.
Ana Ivanovic is a Serbian tennis player who was born on November 6, 1987. Like Sharapova, Ivanovic also previously held the No. 1 rank in world tennis.
Playing Style
Maria Sharapova is known for her very aggressive playing style, which was characterized by powerful strokes, and deep, angular forehand and backhand strikes. Unlike other tennis players that employ traditional volleys or overhead smashes, Sharapova generally employs a "swinging" volley. Although a fairly tall player, she is considered quite fast, and relies more on mental fortitude and competitiveness than sheer power or brute force.
Beginning in 2008, Sharapova greatly expanded her range of techniques to include drop shots and sliced backhand techniques, in addition to employing more effective movement and footwork on the court.
Ana Ivanovic is also known for her aggressive playing style. She was in fact considered one of the best players on the women's tour in 2007 and 2008. However, she has been criticized for her apparent lack of confidence, which came to the fore after her victory at the French Open in 2008. This slump in performance was noted by no less than Martina Navratilova, who during the 2010 Australian Open commented on her seeming lack of confidence. Navratilova did commend Ivanovic for her tenacity until the last point however, and Ivanovic has since made noticeable improvements after appointing a new coach in 2010.
Notable Accomplishments
Maria Sharapova’s career has been earmarked by instances of serious injury, although this hasn't stopped her from winning 22 WTA singles titles, in addition to 3 WTA doubles titles and 3 Grand Slam singles titles. Sharapova also won the runner-up position at the 2007 Australian Open and the Sony Ericsson Championships in 2004. After a much publicized shoulder injury in 2008 however, she has yet to regain her previous level of performance.
Ana Ivanovic for her part still ranks highly among the world’s roster of tennis players, and is in fact currently No. 19 on the WTA rankings. Among her most notable victories are her win at the 2008 French Open against Dinara Safina, and the runner-up spots in the French Open and Australian Open of 2007 and 2008, respectively.
Similarities and Differences
Maria Sharapova
- Is known for her very aggressive playing style
- Generally employs a "swinging" volley instead of traditional volleys or overhead smashes
- Has yet to regain her previous level of performance after her shoulder injury in 2008
Ana Ivanovic
- Also known for her aggressive playing style
- Has been criticized for her apparent lack of confidence
- Currently No. 19 on the WTA rankings
