It’s almost time for the biggest clash of the year in tennis world – Serena Williams vs Maria Sharapova. The biggest names in women’s tennis history will be facing each other in Round of 16 match of French Open 2018. Tennis fans in India can watch the mouth-watering battle from 5.10 pm IST as Sharapova will step on the court to register a victory, which she has been seeking for in more than ten years. The Russia tennis superstar trails 2-19 in head-to-head battle against the 23-grand slam-winning American star player. Serena Williams-Maria Sharapova match will be live telecast by Star Sports with the huge fourth round match also available via live streaming online.

Serena and Sharapova have been long-time rivals. Though it is not due to the kind of tennis they have played as the former has overshadowed Maria in a lopsided competition. What truly makes their matches a blockbuster for fans as well as organisers is the two are such towering personalities when it comes to stardom and brand endorsements. And, of course there off-field barbs and taunts and their mutual bitterness are the real foundation of Maria Sharapova vs Serena Williams rivalry. If one thought staying away from the tennis circuit, things would cool off between the two, the latest dig by Serena at Maria proves the hatred is not lost.

"I think the book was 100% hearsay, which was a little bit disappointing," Serena Williams said about Maria Sharapova’s 2017 autobiography 'Unstoppable: My Life So Far'. While the duo has been quite cautious about talking about their winning chances, one cannot help but notice how dearly the want to win the fourth-round match, which many are calling a ‘grudge match’ at the Roland Garros.

Sharapova who has lost last 18 matches on a trot to Williams indeed would know it is her best chance against the 36-year-old who has played just eight singles match since making a comeback from her maternity break after giving birth to daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. While the America player has also (slyly) addressed Maria as the ‘favourite’ to win the clash because she has been playing for a year since returning from 15-month drug ban, Sharapova would deep down ponder over her inconsistency.

Serena Williams vs Maria Sharapova Match, Time and Schedule:

Maria Sharapova returned to Philippe-Chatrier court registering a blowout victory over the sixth seed Karolina Pliskova and now she faces her all-time nemesis Serena Williams on June 4. The match will begin at 5.10 pm IST after Rafael Nadal vs Maximilian Marterer match.

Serena Williams vs Maria Sharapova Match, Live Telecast in India Available:

The French Open 2018 will be played from May 27 to June 10 in Stade Roland Garros. All matches of French Open 2018 is live broadcast by Star Sports network. Star Sports Select 1, Star Sports Select 2, Star sports Select 1 HD and Star Sports Select 2HD channels will do the live telecast of 2018 French Open games including Maria Sharapova vs Serena Williams on Monday.

Serena Williams vs Maria Sharapova Match, Live Streaming in India Available:

In addition to amazing coverage by Star Sports, Hotstar will also be available for tennis fans in India with live streaming online option. So, if you are on a move, you can catch the fourth-round action unfold between Sharapova and Serena on Hotstar.

Serena Williams-Maria Sharapova Head-to-Head Battle, Winner Prediction:

Maria and Serena have played each other on 21 occasions with and the Russian star’s last victory came 14 years ago in 2004, the same year their rivalry began. The ace American star has registered 18 straight wins over Sharapova. Forget matches, the Russian player has struggled to win a set from Serena, which only reflects the dominance the new mum has enjoyed in their battle. However, we pick two-time Roland Garros champion (2012 and 2014) Sharapova to register a win over her nemesis after years of playing submissive to her. Let the match between 28th seed Maria Sharapova and World No. 451 Serena Williams begin.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2018 04:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).