Former Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova has been dubbed "unrecognisable" after unveiling a dramatic new look in retirement. The 39-year-old, who ended her professional tennis career in 2020, has swapped her trademark blonde locks for a sleek brunette style, leaving fans speechless.
Sharapova first shot to fame as a teenager when she defeated Serena Williams at SW19 in 2004, a victory that became as iconic as her flowing blonde hair. Since retiring, she has ditched that celebrated image in favour of a more understated look.
New Look Debuts at Italian Event
The bold new look first turned heads at an event in Italy. Sharapova, pictured alongside her British partner Alex Gilkes, attended the Hotel Il Pellicano's 60th anniversary celebration in Monte Argentario. Social media users quickly branded her "unrecognisable."
Grand Slam Legacy
During her illustrious career, Sharapova claimed all four Grand Slam titles. She kicked off with her breakthrough Wimbledon win in 2004, followed by the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008, and the French Open in 2012 and 2014, also reaching the final in 2013. She also earned an Olympic silver medal at the London 2012 Games, losing to Williams in the final.
Sharapova became the third-youngest woman to win Wimbledon and the first Russian to complete a career Grand Slam. Forbes listed her among the top 100 most powerful celebrities worldwide from 2005 to 2011.
Controversy and Comeback
In 2016, Sharapova received a 15-month ban (initially two years) after testing positive for meldonium. She acknowledged the violation but maintained it was an inadvertent error, explaining she had followed her doctor's guidance and was unaware the substance had been added to WADA's banned list.
Life After Tennis
Since retiring, Sharapova has enjoyed lavish getaways with Gilkes, who proposed in 2020. In 2022, the couple welcomed their first child, Theodore, and Sharapova's Instagram profile now reads "Mama." She has amassed approximately £31 million in prize money and built a business empire, including her confectionery brand Sugarpova and support for sunscreen company Supergoop.
Post-retirement, she has expanded her ventures, backing wellness brand Therabody, joining the board of fashion label Moncler in 2022, and consulting for Naked Retail and Bright. She also holds stakes in UFC and Tonal.
