Maria Sharapova has retired from tennis aged 32, concluding her career with five grand slams. Her most notable win being at Wimbledon in 2004 being only 17 years old.
Fox News
Sharapova has certainly had an up and down career, being world number one at age 18 to then being banned for doping in 2016. She has also battled injuries which have prevented her from maintaining her world dominating form she showed in her early years as a pro.
However, Sharapova has certainly lived a life outside of tennis being a model, activist and entrepreneur. Most notably her Sports Illustrated swimsuit shoot which stole the sports news back in 2006.
Following Sharapova’s announcement, her coach Riccardo Piatti tweeted:
“It’s been an honour to have worked with such an amazing athlete and person. I’ll miss her on court and outside. I’m sorry we couldn’t work together for longer. But I know our paths will cross again and I can’t wait for it. In the meantime, good luck with everything.”
Like Billie Jean King and Serena Williams, Sharapova has created who own legacy which resides way beyond tennis. With her career on the court over, her career outside will only become bigger and better.