Every tennis fan knows the name Maria Sharapova, but it may not be a name you’ve heard in a while. It has been about a year since this legend retired at only thirty-two. Then again, if you started a legendary tennis career at fourteen, you’d retire early, too!
The truth is, this former athlete can afford to retire. But who exactly is Maria Sharapova, and where is the tennis star now? If you’re curious about the athlete’s whereabouts in 2024, read about her past, present, and future.
Who Is Maria Sharapova?
Maria has been a permanent citizen of America since 1994, though she started her life in Russia in 1987. She began playing while living in Russia, holding her first racquet at four. Her entire family immigrated to the United States to support Maria’s tennis career, which was a great move.
She began attending the IMG Academy at nine and received a full scholarship once her talent became evident. She made her debut in professional tennis at fourteen and, by 2003, had completed her first full professional season. That same year, she won her first professional matches at the Bell Challenge and the Japan Open Tennis Competition.
It was 2004 when Maria hit her stride, claiming her first Grand Slam at only seventeen. This was no small feat; she had to win against Lindsey Davenport and Serena Williams to take the title. She was the third youngest athlete to ever win a Wimbledon title.
Maria Sharapova’s tennis career proceeded, and she ultimately became the 10th woman in history to win all four major events in professional tennis. Maria retired from the sport in 2020 after various arm and shoulder issues affecting her play. After retirement, Forbes estimated Sharapova’s career earnings to be approximately $325 million.
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Maria Sharapova’s Rise In Tennis World
Why do you know the name “Maria Sharapova?” Even if you don’t follow tennis closely, this female tennis legend has made enough waves in the world of sports that you’ve heard of a few of her accomplishments.
Her greatest accomplishment was probably reaching the top spot in the singles world rankings in 2005. She spent four years of her career at number one and 12 in the top ten. Sharapova was such a force in singles tennis that she won the Grand Slam five times throughout her career, including two at the French Open, the US Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open.
Even if you never followed tennis, you might have seen her in Sports Illustrated, where she posed in the 2006 swimsuit issue. Maria Sharapova is a whopping six-foot-two, so it’s no wonder she made an attractive model.
Maria Sharapova: Retirement And Afterlife
It was difficult for Maria to leave tennis behind after a lifetime in the sport, but four years have passed since her retirement announcement on February 26, 2020. After hanging her boots, she focused on spending more time with family, traveling, and doing business.
Business Endeavors
While Maria Sharapova can probably afford to retire well, the ambitious athlete decided to try running a business. She opened the candy company Sugarpova in 2013 and sold it in 2021. Sugarpova is a unique brand, in that it promotes moderation. The candy is non-GMO and available worldwide.
This success likely wasn’t a fluke – in between titles, Sharapova found time to study management and leadership at Harvard University. While it’s funny to imagine a world-class athlete peddling chocolate and gummies, Sharapova is a lifelong lover of sweets, and Sugarpova is her passion project.
She’s been dabbling in more than candy. Most recently, Sharapova released a minimalistic furniture collection in collaboration with Rove Concepts. The six-piece collection is currently featured in the home she shares with her fiance, Alexander Gilkes.
Also Read: Legendary Tennis Star Maria Sharapova Is Barely Recognizable Today
On Television
These days, Maria Sharapova even has a few television credits. She has appeared in Oceans 8, Billions, and The Morning Show. She even played as a guest shark on the popular Shark Tank television program.
Is Maria Sharapova Married?
Maria Sharapova is dating British businessman Alexander Gilkes, an art dealer. And, yes, you read that correctly. Sharapova and Gilkes are currently engaged to be married. She announced her engagement on the official Maria Sharapova Instagram.
Gilkes is 45 years old, and the two seem very much in love. While Alexander may not be a literal prince, the Brit does have royal connections. He is good friends with Prince William and had a prior marriage to designer Misha Nonoo. In July 2022, the couple welcomed a baby boy and have held off on their wedding since then. Sharapova and Gikes named their son Theodore.
What Is Maria Sharapova’s Net Worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Maria Sharapova has a net worth of approximately $180 million, and most tennis fans would agree that she has earned it after a spectacular career on the court.
You cannot deny that Maria Sharapova has accomplished much in her lifetime, and she doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. If you are excited about what might be next for the athlete, Maria Sharapova tweets regularly. Based on some of her recent tweets, she seems to enjoy the Wimbledon 2024!
