The Russian tennis icon looks unbelievably different compared to her silverware-laden playing days
Maria Sharapova has undergone a dramatic transformation since her days dominating the tennis courts. The Russian star is renowned for being one of the best tennis stars the sport has ever seen, winning Wimbledon at the age of just 17.
Her victory over Serena Williams in 2004 marked the beginning of an iconic career during which she won five major titles. Sharapova also won two French Open titles, the US Open and Australian Open to add to her single win at SW19 in 2004.
But, despite being known as one of the world’s most marketable sportspeople, fans may need to double take to recognise the star now.
Sharapova retired in 2020 and dyed her iconic blonde hair to a darker colour. Since this change, the 38-year-old now looks considerably different from her tennis-playing days.
The Russian’s career in tennis saw her retire with around £29million earned in prize money. As well as this, Sharapova found financial success through various endorsement deals and business ventures.
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It is reported that the tennis hall of famer has made an eye-watering £234m through sponsorship deals with the likes of Porsche and Nike. From 2006 until 2016, Forbes listed Sharapova as the world’s highest-earning sportswoman.
Maxim magazine also ranked the tennis star as the ‘hottest athlete in the world’ for four years running. The Russian also famously posed in a bikini photoshoot in the Valentine’s Day issue of Sports Illustrated.
Sharapova became a mother following her retirement, getting engaged to British businessman Alexander Gilkes in 2020. The couple welcomed son Theodore in 2022.
As well as being on the board of directors of fashion brand Moncler, Sharapova also works as a brand advisor to Naked Retail and Bright. In 2024, the 38-year-old returned to racquet sports but not in the way many would assume.
Writing on social media, Sharapova said: “I’m playing pickleball. And not just any pickleball, I am playing with John McEnroe against Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi.”
