Maria Sharapova: athletic legacy, business and resilience

Maria Sharapova is one of the most recognized tennis players of the 21st century. A five-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, she combined athletic talent with business vision. Her career was marked by achievements on all surfaces, a strong personal brand, and a successful transition to entrepreneurship through her company Sugarpova. She also faced challenges, including a meldonium suspension, which she overcame with transparency and determination.

Childhood and move to the US

Born in Nyagan, Siberia, Maria Sharapova moved to Florida at age 7 with her father to train at the Nick Bollettieri Academy. Her family invested everything in her talent. At 14, she debuted as a professional. Through discipline and power, she quickly stood out in the women’s circuit. That effort-driven childhood shaped her competitive mindset and her ability to withstand pressure at every stage of her career.

Wimbledon 2004 and the start of the phenomenon

At 17, she stunned the world by winning Wimbledon in 2004. She defeated Serena Williams in the final and became a global figure. That victory was more than a title: it established Sharapova as a tennis star and a celebrity. From then on, her name became synonymous with athletic excellence and determination, and her image was associated with top sports and fashion brands.

Titles and ranking

During her career, Sharapova won five Grand Slam titles: Wimbledon, the US Open, the Australian Open, and Roland Garros twice. She was ranked world number one on five separate occasions, proof of her consistency and level. Known for her aggressive baseline style and winning mentality, she adapted to all surfaces and physical challenges. She was one of the few players of her generation to complete the career Grand Slam.

Image, marketing and business

Maria built a solid personal brand. She represented Nike, TAG Heuer, Head, among others. In 2012, she launched Sugarpova, a premium candy line. She wasn’t just a figurehead—she took part in development, strategy, and global expansion. Her profile as a businesswoman grew steadily. Forbes ranked her among the world’s highest-paid athletes, combining prize money with long-term endorsement deals.

The meldonium case

In 2016, she was suspended after testing positive for meldonium, a substance banned that same year. She publicly disclosed the result herself and explained she had taken it for years under medical guidance. The suspension was reduced to 15 months after it was proven there was no intent to cheat. Though the case drew global attention, she handled it with responsibility, facing the issue openly and returning to competition without excuses.

Final years on tour

Sharapova returned to the circuit in 2017, playing in tournaments like the US Open and Roland Garros. Though she didn’t reclaim a top ranking, she remained a respected figure. Her game was affected by shoulder injuries and physical wear. In 2020, she decided to retire. She published a letter in Vanity Fair and Vogue, reflecting on pain, learning, and the shift into new phases. She did it without nostalgia—clear and resolute.

Post-retirement life and new projects

After retiring from tennis, she focused on investing. She backed startups in wellness, health, and technology. She also published her memoir Unstoppable, revisiting her career and choices. She mentors women entrepreneurs and remains active in sports as a respected voice. Today, she blends elite experience with a strategic vision centered on business, personal growth, and long-term impact.