Since her retirement in 2020, Maria Sharapova, former world No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion, has transitioned seamlessly into a new phase of her life, embracing a range of ventures and projects that showcase her entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to giving back, and devotion to her family. Sharapova’s life post-tennis has been a mix of business, philanthropy, and her most recent journey: motherhood.
Life After Tennis: Maria Sharapova Thrives in Business, Philanthropy, and Motherhood
Building Her Brand: The Entrepreneurial Journey
Sharapova’s business acumen first gained attention when she launched her candy brand, Sugarpova, in 2012, while she was still actively competing. What began as a small foray into the business world has since flourished into a successful lifestyle brand, reflecting Sharapova’s keen eye for growth opportunities. Sugarpova has expanded beyond candies into chocolates and gummies, with a presence in over 30 countries. Sharapova’s vision has guided the brand, and she remains closely involved in its strategy and expansion, illustrating her knack for business that goes beyond her athletic achievements.
Since her retirement, Sharapova has deepened her involvement with various brands, leveraging her image and influence to promote products and initiatives that resonate with her values. She has collaborated with Nike on limited-edition designs and continues to work with Evian, a partnership that started during her tennis career. Additionally, her role as a strategic advisor and investor in companies like Therabody, the wellness tech company known for its percussive massage devices, reflects her interest in health and wellness—an industry that aligns well with her identity as a former elite athlete. Her business ventures reflect a strategic shift to products and partnerships with a purpose, focusing on sustainability and wellness.
Maria Sharapova Foundation: A Commitment to Giving Back
Philanthropy has long been an essential part of Sharapova’s life, and her retirement has given her the time to expand her charitable efforts. The Maria Sharapova Foundation, which she established early in her career, focuses on supporting underprivileged youth, especially in areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which impacted her family’s homeland. The foundation provides scholarships, educational resources, and mentorship opportunities, aiming to create lasting change for young people who lack access to quality education.
Sharapova has also expanded her involvement in environmental and humanitarian causes, aligning with brands and organizations that share her passion for making a positive impact. Her focus has shifted toward sustainable and impactful philanthropy, choosing initiatives that create educational opportunities and support young leaders. Her influence extends to social media, where she promotes awareness for the causes she cares about, using her platform to engage with a global audience and inspire positive action.
New Roles in Motherhood
One of the most fulfilling parts of Sharapova’s post-retirement life is her role as a mother. In July 2022, she and her fiancé, British businessman Alexander Gilkes, welcomed their son, Theodore. Sharapova has expressed how motherhood has shifted her perspective and brought new meaning to her life. In interviews, she has spoken about the joys and challenges of raising her son, embracing her family life with the same determination she once showed on the tennis court.
Motherhood, Sharapova says, has brought her a sense of balance and a deeper connection to her own values. While she remains deeply committed to her business and philanthropic efforts, her focus has naturally shifted to her family, spending time at home and ensuring a nurturing environment for her son. Her journey as a mother is shared only occasionally with her fans, as Sharapova prefers to keep her family life private, revealing glimpses into her life only through curated moments on social media.
A Life Beyond the Court: Balancing Passion and Purpose
Maria Sharapova’s post-tennis life embodies a seamless blend of passion, purpose, and family. Her trajectory from tennis star to successful entrepreneur and philanthropist highlights her ability to adapt, evolve, and pursue new interests outside the world of competitive sports. Her strategic involvement in wellness, fashion, and lifestyle brands showcases a refined business approach that allows her to keep evolving.
For many, Sharapova’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of purpose beyond a successful sports career. She remains a respected figure in tennis, often attending major tournaments and supporting young players, but her focus has shifted to her businesses, her foundation, and her family. Through her achievements and commitments, Sharapova demonstrates that life after sports can be as fulfilling and impactful as her career on the tennis court.
As she continues to make strides in business, philanthropy, and motherhood, Maria Sharapova’s journey serves as an inspiration for athletes and individuals worldwide, reminding them that there is no limit to the accomplishments one can achieve in life’s various stages.
