Five years after stepping away from professional tennis, champion Maria Sharapova is almost unrecognisable from the formidable athlete who once dominated the sport.
From Wimbledon Glory to a Life Beyond the Court
The Russian star, who shot to global fame by winning Wimbledon at just 17 years old in 2004, enjoyed a legendary career. Her iconic victory over Serena Williams that year heralded the start of an era, leading to five Grand Slam titles. Alongside her SW19 triumph, Sharapova clinched two French Open crowns, a US Open, and an Australian Open title.
However, since her retirement in 2020, fans have witnessed a remarkable change in her appearance. The most notable shift has been her hair colour; the iconic blonde locks that were a staple of her on-court persona have been replaced with a darker hue, contributing to her dramatically different look at 38.
A Financial Powerhouse and Business Leader
Sharapova's success was never limited to the baseline. Her career prize money totalled an impressive £29 million, but her financial acumen extended far beyond. Through major sponsorship deals with giants like Nike and Porsche, she amassed a reported £234 million, leading Forbes to name her the world's highest-earning sportswoman for a decade from 2006.
Her marketability was legendary, with Maxim magazine crowning her the 'hottest athlete in the world' for four consecutive years, a status cemented by a famous bikini photoshoot for Sports Illustrated.
Embracing Motherhood and New Sporting Pursuits
Life after tennis has brought profound personal joy for Sharapova. She became engaged to British businessman Alexander Gilkes in 2020, and the couple welcomed their son, Theodore, in 2022.
Professionally, she holds a seat on the board of directors for the luxury fashion brand Moncler and serves as a brand advisor for companies like Naked Retail and Bright. In a surprising 2024 return to racquet sports, she took up pickleball, even teaming up with John McEnroe to play against legends Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi.
While her visage may have softened from the fierce competitor who graced Centre Court, Maria Sharapova has seamlessly transitioned into a new chapter as a business leader and mother, her legacy as one of tennis's all-time greats forever secure.
