What Happened to Maria Yuryevna Sharapova?
Maria Sharapova is a retired Russian tennis superstar, five-time Grand Slam champion, and former world No. 1, who transitioned into a successful businesswoman and investor after her retirement in 2020. She is actively involved in her candy brand Sugarpova, holds board and advisory roles, and is a mother to her son Theodore, born in 2022, with fiancé Alexander Gilkes. Sharapova continues to maintain a public profile, recently attending the Indian Wells semifinals in March 2026.
Quick Answer
Maria Sharapova retired from professional tennis in February 2020, concluding a career that included five Grand Slam titles and a world No. 1 ranking. Since then, she has successfully pivoted to the business world, expanding her Sugarpova candy brand and investing in various companies like Therabody, Tonal, MoonPay, and Public.com. She joined the Board of Directors for Moncler in 2023 and is also a mother to her son, Theodore, born in July 2022, with her fiancé Alexander Gilkes. As of March 2026, she remains active in business and made a public appearance at the Indian Wells semifinals.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Turns Professional
Maria Sharapova turns professional on her 14th birthday, beginning her illustrious tennis career.
Wins Wimbledon
At 17 years old, Sharapova wins her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, defeating Serena Williams in the final and rising to global fame.
Achieves World No. 1 Ranking
Sharapova becomes the first Russian woman to reach the world No. 1 ranking in women's singles.
Launches Sugarpova
Sharapova launches her premium candy line, Sugarpova, marking her first major entrepreneurial venture.
Completes Career Grand Slam
Wins the French Open, becoming the 10th woman in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam.
Announces Failed Drug Test
Sharapova publicly announces she failed a drug test for meldonium at the Australian Open.
Doping Ban Reduced to 15 Months
The Court of Arbitration for Sport reduces her two-year ban to 15 months, effective from the date of the failed test.
Retires from Tennis
Sharapova announces her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 32, citing ongoing shoulder injuries.
Engaged to Alexander Gilkes
Maria Sharapova announces her engagement to British businessman Alexander Gilkes.
Welcomes Son Theodore
Sharapova and Gilkes welcome their first child, a son named Theodore.
Joins Moncler Board of Directors
Sharapova joins the Board of Directors for the Italian luxury fashion brand Moncler.
International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction
Maria Sharapova is inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Attends Indian Wells Semifinals
Sharapova makes a public appearance as a spectator at the women's semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Maria Sharapova's journey from a prodigious tennis talent to a global icon and astute businesswoman is marked by both immense success and significant challenges. Born in Nyagan, Russia, in 1987, Sharapova moved to Florida at a young age to pursue her tennis dreams, turning professional in 2001. Her breakthrough came dramatically in 2004 when, at just 17, she defeated Serena Williams to win Wimbledon, catapulting her to international stardom. She went on to achieve a career Grand Slam, winning all four major titles, and held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 21 weeks.
A key turning point in her career occurred in 2016 when she failed a drug test at the Australian Open, testing positive for meldonium, a substance that had recently been added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list. Initially suspended for two years by the International Tennis Federation, her ban was later reduced to 15 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which found she had committed "no significant fault." This period was a major setback, leading to the loss of several lucrative endorsement deals. Sharapova returned to the WTA Tour in April 2017 but struggled with recurring shoulder injuries, which ultimately contributed to her decision to retire in February 2020 at the age of 32.
Post-retirement, Sharapova has seamlessly transitioned into a full-time entrepreneur and investor, leveraging her global brand and business acumen. Her confectionary brand, Sugarpova, launched in 2012, has continued to expand, reportedly earning around $20 million annually. She has also diversified her investment portfolio, which includes stakes in wellness brands like Therabody and Tonal, fintech companies such as MoonPay and Public.com, and a wearable weights company, Bala Bangles, after an appearance on 'Shark Tank'. In 2023, she joined the Board of Directors for the Italian fashion powerhouse Moncler, further solidifying her presence in the luxury and business sectors.
In her personal life, Sharapova became engaged to British businessman Alexander Gilkes in December 2020. The couple welcomed their son, Theodore, in July 2022. She has openly shared her experiences with motherhood and continues to be active on social media, offering glimpses into her life as a businesswoman and mother. As of March 15, 2026, Sharapova maintains a strong connection to the tennis world, evidenced by her attendance at the women's semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on March 14, 2026, a tournament she won twice during her playing career. She was also inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in August 2025.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Maria Yuryevna Sharapova made different choices?