Serena Williams spoke out about Maria Sharapova's failed drug test on Tuesday, praising her pro tennis rival for her honesty and courage.

"I think most people were surprised and shocked by Maria but at the same time most people were happy that she was just upfront and very honest and showed a lot of courage to admit to what she had done and what she had neglected to look at," Williams said at a press conference in New York, where she is set to play Caroline Wozniacki in an exhibition match.


Sharapova announced the news at a press conference in Los Angeles on Monday, admitting that she had tested positive at the Australian Open for banned substance meldonium. The 28-year-old Russian tennis star claimed that she had simply made a mistake by continuing to take the anti-ischemic drug Mildronate -- also known as meldonium -- after it was added to the list of banned performance-enhancing drugs in January.

"She's always showed courage in everything that she's done. And this is no different," Williams said of her longtime rival.

Female athletes, despite their proficiency in their chosen sport, rarely receive the attention and celebrity they deserve. Serena Williams might make millions from sponsorships and tournament wins, yet she still doesn’t get nearly the amount of respect she probably should. And her peers, from those Williams challengers on the court to the U.S. Women’s World Cup champions, and every other sport from bobsledding to pole vaulting (if they’re in the Olympics, they count), could do with some more credit. Because on top of being at, well, the top of their game, these athletes are also beautiful — and some even dare to pose for Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue — wearing nothing but body paint. 


Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn posing on the beach in Petit St. Vincent in body paint inspired by a Missoni swimsuit

Appearing in the magazine’s annual swimsuit edition for the second time (her first shoot was in 2010), Lindsey Vonn went all-in. “I wasn’t quite sure if I was comfortable at first with the body paint, but I figured it’s just pretty much the same as wearing a bathing suit anyway,” the skier explained. “When you see the suit on a hanger and then see it on your body painted, it’s a totally different experience. It’s very freeing!” (Photo: Frederic Pinet/Courtesy of Sports Illustrated) 

Vonn poses in body paint inspired by a Missoni swimsuit

“I don’t know why people say that they feel like they’re clothed because I definitely feel naked still,” Vonn said. (Photo: Frederic Pinet/Courtesy of Sports Illustrated) 


Even better from the back: Vonn in body paint inspired by a Missoni swimsuit

“I think it’s a lot more beautiful than I ever imagined.” (Photo: Frederic Pinet/Courtesy of Sports Illustrated) 

Caroline Wozniacki poses in body paint inspired by a red For Love & Lemons one-piece 

For the second year in a row, Wozniacki has appeared in the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. But she took year two to a whole new level. “When I look at myself and I look down at myself, I feel like I have plenty of clothes on,” the Danish tennis star explained. “But I feel totally naked!” (Photo: Frederic Pinet/Courtesy of Sports Illustrated) 

Wozniacki in body paint, which took 15 hours to apply, inspired by a For Love & Lemons one-piece 

At the shoot, she described the sensation as, “I feel like I am a piece of art walking around right now.” (Photo: Frederic Pinet/Courtesy of Sports Illustrated) 


Rousey posing on the beach on Petit St. Vincent in body paint inspired by a We Are Handsome swimsuit

For the shoot, the Rousey’s call time was 11 p.m. — the night before. After the 15 hours needed to apply the leopard swim art, she said, “I think this is the longest I’ve just like walked around naked since I was like 10.” The fighter added she felt “very fierce.” (Photo: Frederic Pinet/Courtesy of Sports Illustrated)