All of that makes tennis a refreshingly easy sport to pick up. But its real advantage over other sports is what happens when ...

On the court, she plays with incredible intensity, point after point, stroke after stroke. Sharapova is obviously a driven person, but discipline can be a learned habit, too.

I think I could rewire her entire forehand if she and her team wanted to. I'd teach her the ATP forehand," the 68-year-old said. "Mentally, she has it. Her backhand is money, and her volley is great.