Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova, once crowned the 'hottest athlete in the world' by Maxim magazine for four consecutive years in the 2000s, has thrilled her 4.7 million Instagram followers with a stunning swimsuit picture from a getaway to the Dolomites in northern Italy.
Sharapova's Holiday Snaps
The 39-year-old Russian, who retired from tennis in early 2020 due to persistent shoulder problems, posted photos and video footage of herself taking a dip in a private pool with spectacular mountain views. The snaps drew attention from former opponent Serena Williams, who joked: "Where's my invite?"
One admirer commented: "Lovely to see you Maria, loved watching you play tennis. Enjoy your new life." Another fan wrote: "You are absolutely amazing Maria, I am old enough to have watched and been privileged your whole career. I love seeing your posts with your new chapter after tennis." A third posted: "Miss you on the tennis courts but looks like you are nice and relaxed. Enjoy yourself." Another simply added: "Gorgeous."
Career Highlights and Controversy
It has been 22 years since Sharapova claimed the ladies' singles crown at Wimbledon as a 17-year-old, defeating Serena Williams in the final. She subsequently captured the other three Grand Slams, including the French Open twice. Her career, however, was not without controversy. It is 10 years since she confirmed failing a drug test at the 2016 Australian Open after testing positive for meldonium, a substance she had been taking since 2006 for health reasons.
"I did fail the test and take full responsibility for it," said Sharapova, who served a 15-month ban from the sport, reduced from two years following an appeal. She returned to competition in 2017 but was unable to recapture her former glory and retired three years later.
Retirement and New Life
Announcing her retirement in Vogue and Vanity Fair, Sharapova revealed that her body "had become a distraction" due to ongoing injury troubles. She said: "I'm new to this, so please forgive me. Tennis - I'm saying goodbye. Looking back now, I realize that tennis has been my mountain. My path has been filled with valleys and detours, but the views from its peak were incredible. After 28 years and five Grand Slam titles, though, I'm ready to scale another mountain - to compete on a different type of terrain."
Now 39, Sharapova continues to look as glamorous as ever and is happy to show off her jaw-dropping figure. She was pictured enjoying her holiday with her English boyfriend, businessman Alexander Gilkes.
