Why compare Maria Sharapova and Steffi Graf?

Sharapova has often been compared to Graf, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. Sharapova has a 6-4 head-to-head record against Graf, but has struggled to beat her in major finals.

Maria Sharapova

Key numbers

  • Career win-loss record645-171
  • Career titles36
  • Grand Slam singles titles5
  • Olympic medals1 silver
  • WTA Tour Championships titles1

Top honours

  • Grand Slam singles titles5 (2004 Wimbledon, 2006 US Open, 2008 Australian Open, 2012 French Open, 2014 French Open)
  • Olympic silver medal2012
  • WTA Tour Championships2004
  • Fed Cup2008
  • WTA Player of the Year2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012
VS

Steffi Graf

Key numbers

  • Career win-loss record900-115
  • Career titles107
  • Major titles22
  • Weeks as world No. 1377
  • Year-end No. 18

Top honours

  • Major titles22
  • Championships107
  • Records377 weeks as world No. 1
  • Individual awardsNamed the greatest female tennis player of the 20th century by the Associated Press
  • Olympic gold medal1988