Maria Sharapova, a true tennis legend, will always be remembered for her clenched fist and unwavering determination. She achieved what only a handful of women in the Open era could claim, winning all four major titles at least once. Her retirement, forced by injuries, leaves a void in the world of tennis and in the realm of iconic female athletes who transcended their sport, opening up new markets.
Sharapova, a ferocious baseliner known for her aggressive groundstrokes and mental fortitude, boasts an impressive record: 36 career titles, including five majors, an Olympic silver medal, and 21 weeks as World No. 1, amassing $38 million in prize money.
However, after nearly three decades of tennis, Sharapova’s body can no longer withstand the demands of the highest level, as she revealed in an interview with the New York Times.
Her never-say-die attitude, laser-like focus, and relentless work ethic on and off the court have inspired countless young tennis players. Novak Djokovic hailed her as a “great fighter” and an exemplar of dedication in the sport.
Sharapova’s rise to stardom began at the age of 17 when she defeated Serena Williams at Wimbledon in 2004, instantly becoming a global sensation. Her success, both on and off the court, revolutionized sports marketing and female athlete representation, with earnings exceeding $325 million, as reported by Forbes.
With her agent Max Eisenbud from IMG, Sharapova transformed into a global fashion and style icon. She secured endorsements with renowned brands like Tag Heuer, Porsche, Evian, and Avon. Moreover, she ventured into the candy and chocolate business with Sugarpova, amassing wealth and becoming Forbes’ top-paid female athlete for 11 consecutive years.
Perhaps her most remarkable tennis achievement was mastering the slow red clay of Roland-Garros in 2012 and 2014. This came after a career-threatening shoulder injury that required surgery on a torn rotator cuff.
Sharapova’s journey to the top was particularly extraordinary considering her family’s escape from the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the former Soviet Union. Born in Nyagan, Siberia, she moved to Sochi and began playing tennis at the age of four. It was Martina Navratilova who spotted her talent, prompting her family’s move to the United States.
The path to success was not without hardships. Yuri and Maria moved to the U.S. in 1994, leaving Yelena behind due to visa issues and financial constraints. When she was only seven, Maria was considered too young for a tennis academy. Her father took on low-paying jobs in construction to support her training. Finally, at nine, the family was reunited, and Maria earned a scholarship to the Nick Bollettieri Academy in Florida.
Despite her incredible achievements, Sharapova’s rivalry with Serena Williams remained somewhat lopsided. Williams dominated their matches, winning 20 in a row after 2004.
Sharapova’s legacy is tinged with the shadow of a doping suspension for taking meldonium in 2016, which she claimed was unintentional. The ban extended her career, allowing her to continue competing.
Closing the chapter on her tennis career, Sharapova embarks on a new journey. She reflects on her mountainous path and the peaks she scaled in the world of tennis. Now, she’s ready to tackle new challenges and compete on different terrains.