Maria Sharapova: “Being true to who you are is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves
his Wimbledon marks a very special milestone for Maria Sharapova – it is 20 years since she won the tournament, when she was just 17 years old. Her time in SW19 now looks very different to those in the years gone by – rather than dealing with the pressure of playing on court, the retired player has been enjoying the sport from the sidelines and creating something of a fashion show in her custom Burberry looks.
“It has been very special to be here,” she tells me. “There is such great energy in London and being a small part of Wimbledon history always makes it have that extra significance, especially when we are marking such a big moment in my career. It’s been really nice to reflect on that.”
Sharapova announced her retirement from the sport in 2020 and has since gone on to start a new chapter in her life, one which is focussed on building her foundation, working with some inspiring brands and raising her son. “Being able to embrace both the challenges and the beauty of being a mother has been amazing, so I am really enjoying where I am at right now.”
It is also special to be able to see where tennis is in 2024, she says. “I am really proud to see where the sport is now, from where I started, to see how it transcends through culture, through fashion and art, it now brings together so many people from different walks of life – and to have played a small part in this, makes me feel great.”
The relationship between tennis and fashion has never been stronger. Whether it’s because of Challengers or what is happening on the court, or both, the fashion world right now is obsessed with all things #tenniscore. From pleated mini skirts and sporty dresses to tennis bracelets and all-white looks, we can’t get enough.
