Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will be up against each other in the fourth round of the French Open 2018. This will be the first match since the 2016 Australian Open between these two and in a build up to this contest, Williams has taken a dig at Sharapova over her autobiography. Following her win over Julia Gorges, Williams labelled Sharapova’s autobiography 'Unstoppable: My Life So Far’ as "100 per cent hearsay”.

Sharapova in her book had written how after the Wimbledon 2004 final defeat she heard Williams cry in the locker room. And termed it as a reason for Williams’ ‘hate’ towards her. Serena Williams Sizzles in Black Monokini on Harper's Bazaar UK Cover, a Day After Slaying in a Catsuit at French Open 2018 .

“I think the book was 100% hearsay, which was a little bit disappointing. I have cried in the locker room many times after a loss, and that's what I have seen a lot of people do. I think it's normal. I think if anything, it shows the passion and the desire and, you know, the will that you have to want to go out there and do the best,” Williams was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"I think what happens there should definitely maybe stay there and not necessarily talk about it in a not-so-positive way in a book. I don't have any negative feelings towards her, which again, was a little disappointing to see in that hearsay book. A lot of people always assume that I feel a different way and it's not true,” she added.

"As a fan, I wanted to read the book and I was really excited for it to come out and I was really happy for her. And then the book was a lot about me. I was surprised about that, to be honest. I was, like: 'Oh, okay, I didn't expect to be reading a book about me, that wasn't necessarily true’. I didn't know she looked up to me that much, or was so involved in my career,” Williams further added.

Meanwhile, Williams will look to extend her winning run over Sharapova as they meet on the prestigious Philippe-Chatrier Court at Roland Garros. Interestingly, in the last 18 meetings between these two, Williams has won all. Both the players are on a comeback spree. While Sharapova is looking to set foothold following 15-month doping ban Williams is back from her maternity leave and is playing in her first major tournament since having a baby girl in September.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2018 10:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).