Sharapova: Time to end Williams’ dominance

Maria Sharapova says the domination of Serena Williams should not diminish the efforts of other women's players, but adds they must step up and answer the challenge.

Sharapova, who has not played since losing to Williams in a Wimbledon semi-final due to a right knee injury, could meet the world number one in the semi-finals of the US Open, which begins today.

Three-time defending champion Williams, who has won the past four Grand Slam titles, is trying to complete the first calendar-year Grand Slam sweep since Steffi Graf in 1988 and capture her 22nd career major singles title, matching Graf's Open Era record.

"She has been playing on an incredible level," Sharapova said Saturday. "That doesn't take anything away from other players. We have to step up, me and other players. We have to perform better."

Sharapova has completed a career Grand Slam of her own and added a second French Open crown last year. This year, she lost to Williams in the Australian Open final but has won titles at Brisbane and Rome.

But in head-to-head matches against Williams, Sharapova is 2-18 with 17 losses in a row since last beating the 33-year-old American in the 2004 WTA Tour Championship final.

"If we didn't feel we could (beat her), I wouldn't personally be able to go on the court and play," Sharapova said. "Everyone takes any match they are facing very seriously in a Grand Slam environment." — Reuters