Maria Sharapova, the 2004 Wimbledon champion, has undergone a dramatic transformation since retiring from professional tennis in 2020, leaving fans describing her as "unrecognisable". The 39-year-old Russian, once known for her striking blonde hair and powerful baseline game, now sports elegant brunette locks and has shifted her focus to business and family life.
From Wimbledon Glory to New Look
Sharapova first debuted her brunette look at an event in Italy, where she attended the Hotel Il Pellicano's 60th anniversary celebration in Monte Argentario alongside her British fiancé, Alex Gilkes. The new style marks a departure from the image that helped define her as one of tennis's most marketable stars.
During her playing career, Sharapova captured all four Grand Slam titles, starting with a stunning upset of Serena Williams at Wimbledon in 2004 at just 17 years old. She went on to win the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008, and the French Open in 2012 and 2014, reaching the final in Paris again in 2013. She also earned an Olympic silver medal at the 2012 London Games, losing to Williams in the final.
Records and Recognition
Sharapova became the third-youngest woman to win Wimbledon and the first Russian to complete a career Grand Slam. Off the court, she was named "the hottest athlete in the world" by Maxim for four consecutive years and appeared on Forbes' list of the top 100 most powerful celebrities from 2005 to 2011. She also modelled for Sports Illustrated.
However, her career was not without controversy. In 2016, Sharapova received a 15-month ban (initially two years) after testing positive for meldonium at the Australian Open. She admitted the violation but said it was unintentional, explaining she had followed her doctor's advice and was unaware the substance had been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list.
Life After Tennis
Since retiring, Sharapova has embraced a life of luxury, enjoying holidays with Gilkes, who proposed in December 2020. The couple welcomed their son, Theodore, in July 2022, and Sharapova's Instagram profile now reads "Mama".
Sharapova has also built a successful business portfolio. She earned approximately £31 million in prize money during her career and launched her own confectionery brand, Sugarpova, as well as investing in sunscreen company Supergoop while still playing. Post-retirement, she has intensified her boardroom presence, supporting wellness brand Therabody and joining the board of fashion house Moncler in 2022. She also advises Naked Retail and Bright, and holds shares in UFC, Tonal, Public.com, Moonpay, and Clio Snacks.
