**Maria Sharapova’s Life After Tennis: Transformation and New Ventures**
Maria Sharapova, once a dominant force on the tennis courts of Wimbledon, has sparked intrigue and surprise amongst her fans following a noticeable change in her appearance and lifestyle five years after her retirement from professional sport. The former tennis sensation, once instantly recognisable for her trademark blonde hair and athletic prowess, recently attended a high-profile event in Italy, prompting many observers to remark upon just how much she has changed.
At 38, Sharapova looks back on a career studded with remarkable achievements, including her unforgettable triumph at Wimbledon in 2004. As a fresh-faced 17-year-old, she stunned the tennis world by defeating Serena Williams to claim the title, etching her name into sporting history. Throughout her playing days, her striking blonde hair became something of a signature look, yet she has now embraced a more understated brunette style, leading some to suggest she is ‘unrecognisable’ from her days at the top of women’s tennis.
Earlier this week, Sharapova was seen accompanying her fiancé, British businessman Alex Gilkes, at the 60th anniversary of the Hotel Il Pellicano in Monte Argentario, Italy. Images from the event surfaced across social media and global news outlets, showcasing the former athlete’s new look and underlining her continued presence in high-profile circles, even away from the tennis courts.
Sharapova’s legacy in tennis is formidable. After her explosive breakthrough at Wimbledon, she went on to clinch all four of tennis’s Grand Slam titles—the Australian Open, the US Open, and the French Open (twice), in addition to her initial success in London. Her triumph at the French Open in 2012 also coincided with an Olympic silver medal at London 2012, consolidating her status as one of the game’s all-time greats. She stands among an elite group of athletes to have achieved a career Grand Slam, and her role as the first Russian player to do so brought immense pride to her home country.
Alongside her on-court success, Sharapova cultivated an international profile that transcended sport, becoming a recognisable face in the worlds of fashion and entertainment. She was named in Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful celebrities on several occasions and attracted significant attention for her work as a model, being featured by outlets such as Sports Illustrated. Her commercial prowess was apparent even whilst she was racking up trophies.
However, Sharapova’s career was not without setbacks. A high-profile suspension in 2016 for the use of meldonium, which had only recently been banned, resulted in a 15-month period away from the sport. She was candid about the incident, admitting her mistake but also claiming that she had unwittingly followed her doctor’s guidance and was unaware of the rule change at the time.
Since bidding farewell to professional tennis in 2020, Sharapova has shifted her focus, embracing the opportunities that come with retirement. Now with over 4.6 million Instagram followers, she documents a glamorous lifestyle, travelling to exclusive destinations with her fiancé. In 2022, she became a mother for the first time, welcoming a son named Theodore.
Her post-tennis years have also seen her flourish in business. Leveraging her global brand, she founded the confectionery company Sugarpova, invested in beauty and wellness ventures including Supergoop and Therabody, and has served on the board of top-tier fashion label Moncler. Sharapova’s influence now spans various sectors, with key advisory roles for startups and investments ranging from sports and technology firms to consumer goods.
Maria Sharapova’s evolution from teenage tennis prodigy to business leader and mother underscores her adaptability and enduring appeal. While her appearance and daily pursuits may have changed markedly since her time on Centre Court, her ability to reinvent herself remains as strong as her legendary backhand. For her legion of fans and followers, Sharapova’s story stands as proof that a champion’s drive can continue to shape worlds off the court, just as it did on it.