Former tennis superstar Maria Sharapova is almost unrecognisable today, nearly two decades after her famous victory at the Australian Open in 2008. The retired champion, now 38, has embraced a dramatic new look and a successful second career in business since stepping away from the sport.
From Wimbledon Prodigy to Global Icon
Sharapova first burst onto the global scene as a 17-year-old in 2004, stunning the tennis world by defeating Lindsay Davenport to win Wimbledon. That breakthrough paved the way for her to become the first Russian woman to reach world number one in August 2005. Her powerful game and striking appearance, marked by blonde hair and a 6ft 2in frame, made her an instant icon.
Her Grand Slam collection grew to include five major titles. After winning the US Open in 2006, she secured her Australian Open crown in 2008. That Melbourne triumph was particularly hard-fought. Not considered the favourite, she ended Justine Henin's 32-match winning streak in the quarter-finals before beating Ana Ivanovic in straight sets in the final.
A New Chapter: Business and Brunette Locks
Since announcing her retirement from professional tennis in 2020, Sharapova has undergone a significant personal transformation. She has swapped her signature blonde hair for a brunette style, a change fans have seen at events like Paris Fashion Week and the British Fashion Awards.
Her career off the court has been equally impressive. In 2023, she joined the board of directors for the Italian luxury fashion brand Moncler. She also acts as an advisor for companies like Naked Retail and Bright. This business savvy builds on a playing career that earned her £31 million in prize money and over £230 million from endorsements with giants like Nike and Tag Heuer.
Life After Tennis: Motherhood and Occasional Returns
Sharapova is now a mother, having welcomed her son Theodore in July 2022. She remains connected to her fans through Instagram, where she has over 4.7 million followers. While she has left competitive tennis behind, she made a brief return to the sports spotlight in 2024, partnering with John McEnroe in a pickleball tournament.
The legacy of Maria Sharapova is secure. From her unexpected Wimbledon win as a teenager to her reign as world number one and her successful Australian Open campaign, she remains one of tennis's most memorable figures. Her current life, focused on business, family, and a bold new image, shows a champion seamlessly adapting to a new arena.
