History of Maria Sharapova in Timeline
Maria Sharapova is a retired Russian tennis player, who held the No. 1 ranking for 21 weeks. She achieved the career Grand Slam and earned a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Sharapova competed professionally from 2001 to 2020 and is considered one of the top players of her time.
1985: Double Bagel at a Grand Slam
At the 2013 Australian Open, Sharapova became the first player since the 1985 Australian Open to win in back-to-back double bagels at a Grand Slam tournament, achieving this feat in her first two rounds.
1986: Chernobyl Disaster and Family's Move
Maria Sharapova's parents decided to leave their hometown of Gomel due to concerns about the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident.
April 19, 1987: Birth of Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova was born on April 19, 1987, in Nyagan, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.
April 19, 1987: Birth of Maria Sharapova
On April 19, 1987, Maria Sharapova was born in Nyagan, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.
1990: Move to Sochi
Maria Sharapova's family moved to Sochi, Russia, in 1990.
1991: Introduction to Tennis
Maria Sharapova received her first tennis racket from Aleksandr Kafelnikov in 1991 and began practicing with her father.
1993: Meeting Martina Navratilova
At six years old, Maria Sharapova attended a tennis clinic run by Martina Navratilova, who recommended professional training in the United States.
1994: Move to the United States
Despite residing in the United States since 1994, Maria Sharapova chose to retain her Russian citizenship.
1994: Move to Florida for Tennis Training
Maria Sharapova and her father moved to Florida in 1994 to pursue professional tennis training at the IMG Academy.
1994: Move to the United States
Maria Sharapova became a United States permanent resident in 1994.
1995: Signing with IMG Academy
Maria Sharapova was signed by IMG in 1995, allowing her to enroll in the IMG Academy at nine years old.
1999: Partnership with IMG and Max Eisenbud
Around 1999 marked a pivotal moment in Sharapova's career when she joined forces with renowned sports agency IMG and began her long-standing partnership with agent Max Eisenbud. This collaboration played a key role in shaping her business ventures and endorsements.
November 2000: Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships Victory
Maria Sharapova won the Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships in the girls' 16 division in November 2000 at 13.
2001: First Contested Third Set in French Open Final Since 2001
2001 marked the first time since 2001 that a third set was contested in the final of the French Open.
2001: Professional Debut
Maria Sharapova began her professional tennis career in 2001.
2001: Professional Debut
Maria Sharapova made her professional debut on her 14th birthday in 2001.
2001: Junior Grand Slam Events
Maria Sharapova participated in several Junior Grand Slam events, including the US Open in 2001.
2001: Turning Professional
Maria Sharapova turned professional in 2001, marking the start of her successful tennis career.
August 2002: Lowest Ranking Since 2002
After a series of early losses, Maria Sharapova's ranking dropped to 369 in August 2002, her lowest point since beginning her professional career.
October 2002: ITF Junior World Singles Ranking
Maria Sharapova reached No. 6 in the ITF junior world singles ranking on 21 October 2002.
2002: First WTA Tournament and Junior Grand Slam Finals
Maria Sharapova played her first WTA tournament at the Pacific Life Open and reached the junior finals of the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2002.
2002: Lowest Year-End Ranking
Sharapova ended the year 2002 ranked No. 131, her lowest year-end ranking at that point in her career.
2003: Sharapova's Clay and Grass Court Season
In 2003, Maria Sharapova's clay-court season was limited due to a shoulder injury, leading to a semifinal loss at the French Open. She then experienced an early exit at Wimbledon, losing in the fourth round to the eventual champion, Venus Williams.
2003: Early Exit from Miami Open
Maria Sharapova experienced an early exit from the Miami Open in 2003, marking her earliest exit from the tournament since her first appearance.
2003: Used Prince Triple Threat Hornet Racquet
Maria Sharapova used the Prince Triple Threat Hornet racquet for a portion of 2003.
2003: First WTA Titles and Newcomer of the Year
Maria Sharapova won her first two WTA titles and was named WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2003.
2003: Sharapova's Australian Open and Cellular South Cup
Maria Sharapova's 2003 season began with a first-round loss at the Australian Open, marking her first opening-match loss at a Grand Slam since 2003. She rebounded by winning the Cellular South Cup, her 21st career WTA title.
December 2004: Support for Florida Hurricane Relief
Sharapova participated in a fundraising exhibition match in Tampa in December 2004 to support the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund, demonstrating her commitment to helping communities in need.
2004: Sharapova's Late Season Run
After a disappointing US Open, Maria Sharapova ended 2004 with a strong run at the year-end Sony Ericsson Championships, reaching the final but losing to world No. 1 Justine Henin.
2004: Endorsement Deals After Wimbledon Win
Following her triumphant victory at the 2004 Wimbledon Championships, Sharapova's marketability soared, leading to endorsement deals with prominent brands like Motorola, Land Rover, Canon, Tag Heuer, and Tiffany.
2004: Won Wimbledon Using the Prince More Attack 920
In 2004, Maria Sharapova started the season with a new racquet, the Prince More Attack 920, which she used to win Wimbledon that year.
2004: Criticism from Anastasia Myskina
In 2004, Russian tennis player Anastasia Myskina criticized the on-court behavior of Maria Sharapova's father, Yuri.
2004: Top 20 Ranking and Grand Slam Quarterfinal
Maria Sharapova entered the top 20 WTA world rankings and reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the French Open in 2004.
2004: Year-End Championships Victory
Maria Sharapova won the year-end championships in 2004, her debut year in the tournament.
2004: Sharapova's US Open Title Defense
Maria Sharapova's 2004 US Open title defense ended with a third-round upset by Agnieszka Radwańska, marking her earliest exit at a Grand Slam singles tournament since the 2004 US Open.
April 2005: People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful
Sharapova's stunning looks earned her recognition in April 2005 when People magazine named her one of the 50 most beautiful celebrities globally, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in popular culture.
August 2005: World No. 1 Ranking
In August 2005, Maria Sharapova achieved the world No. 1 ranking in women's singles tennis for the first time.
August 2005: Sharapova Becomes World No. 1
In August 2005, Maria Sharapova achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Asian and Russian woman to reach the World No. 1 ranking in women's tennis.
September 2005: Sharapova's US Open and No. 1 Ranking
In September 2005, Maria Sharapova reached the semifinals of the US Open, losing to the eventual champion Kim Clijsters. Despite the loss, she regained the world No. 1 ranking on September 12th, 2005, after Lindsay Davenport's loss in the tournament.
2005: Forbes Celebrity 100 Debut
Maria Sharapova's rising fame and fortune landed her a spot on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list for the first time in 2005, marking her influence as one of the world's top celebrities.
2005: Used Prince Turbo Shark MP Racquet
Maria Sharapova used the Prince Turbo Shark MP, a racquet specially designed for her, until 2005.
2005: Sharapova Expresses Interest in Fed Cup Debut
At the end of 2005, Sharapova shared her desire to make her debut in the Fed Cup.
2005: Donation for Beslan School Tragedy
In 2005, Sharapova made a significant donation of approximately US$50,000 to provide aid and support to those affected by the Beslan school hostage crisis, a tragedy that deeply resonated with her.
2005: Sharapova's Grunting at Wimbledon
Sharapova's on-court grunting, reaching 101 decibels at Wimbledon in 2005, drew media attention and was considered a natural part of her intense playing style.
January 2006: Switched to Prince O3 White Racquet
In January 2006, Maria Sharapova switched to the Prince O3 White racquet.
March 2006: Highest-Paid Female Athlete
In a testament to her marketability and success, Sharapova was ranked the world's highest-paid female athlete by Forbes magazine in March 2006. Her annual earnings exceeded US$18 million, with the majority stemming from lucrative endorsements and sponsorships.
April 2006: Sharapova Withdraws from Fed Cup
Despite expressing interest in making her Fed Cup debut, Sharapova withdrew from playing against Belgium in April 2006.
2006: Nike's "Pretty" Campaign and Sports Illustrated Feature
In 2006, Sharapova was featured in Nike's award-winning "Pretty" campaign and graced the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, showcasing her versatility and appeal beyond the tennis court.
2006: Sharapova's 2006 Season
Maria Sharapova started 2006 with a semifinal loss at the Australian Open to Justine Henin. She then claimed her first title of the year at Indian Wells, defeating Elena Dementieva in the final.
2006: Start of Meldonium Use
Sharapova began taking meldonium in 2006 for various health reasons, according to her statement.
2006: US Open Quarterfinals
Sharapova reached the quarterfinals of the US Open for the first time since winning the tournament in 2006, defeating Nadia Petrova and Marion Bartoli en route. She lost in the semifinals to Victoria Azarenka.
2006: Collaboration on the "Little Black Dress"
Sharapova's fashion influence was evident in 2006 when she teamed up with Nike to design the iconic "little black dress" she sported for night matches at the US Open, taking inspiration from Audrey Hepburn's timeless elegance.
January 2007: Gatorade and Tropicana Endorsement
Expanding her endorsement portfolio, Sharapova signed a sponsorship deal with Gatorade and Tropicana in January 2007. This partnership, however, later concluded in 2009.
February 2007: UNDP Goodwill Ambassador
In February 2007, Maria Sharapova was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She marked this occasion with a generous donation of US$210,000 to support UNDP's Chernobyl recovery efforts.
February 2007: UNDP Goodwill Ambassador
Maria Sharapova became a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador in February 2007.
April 2007: Another Fed Cup Withdrawal
Sharapova withdrew from Fed Cup ties against Spain in April 2007 due to injuries.
July 2007: Withdrawal and Ineligibility for Fed Cup Final
Sharapova withdrew from the Fed Cup tie against the United States in July 2007, leading to her being deemed ineligible for the final by the Russian captain.
2007: Sharapova's Clay Court Struggles
Sharapova acknowledged her struggles on clay courts in 2007, finding it difficult to move effectively on the surface.
2007: WTA Tour Championships Qualification
Sharapova qualified for the WTA Tour Championships in 2011, marking her first time qualifying for the tournament since 2007.
2007: Briefly Used Prince O3 Speedport White Racquet
While she mainly used the O3 White, Maria Sharapova briefly used the Prince O3 Speedport White racquet at the 2007 Kremlin Cup.
2007: Shoulder Injury Affects Sharapova's Serve
From 2007 onwards, Sharapova's serve, once considered a strength, was negatively impacted by a shoulder injury, leading to inconsistency and a higher number of double faults.
2007: Sharapova's US Open Series and Upset Loss
During the 2007 US Open Series, Maria Sharapova reached the finals in two tournaments. However, she faced a shocking upset in the third round of the US Open, losing to teenager Melanie Oudin.
2007: Shoulder Injury and Continued Success
Despite facing a setback with a shoulder injury in 2007, Sharapova's financial success remained undeterred. Her ability to maintain her position as the highest-paid female athlete highlighted her resilience and strong brand appeal.
February 2008: Sharapova's Fed Cup Debut
Sharapova made her long-awaited debut in the Fed Cup in February 2008, playing for Russia against Israel and securing two victories. Although selected for the final, she was unable to participate due to a shoulder injury.
July 2008: Returned to Tennis After Shoulder Surgery
Maria Sharapova returned to professional tennis in July 2008 after recovering from shoulder surgery, opting to use the Prince O3 Speedport Black racquet.
July 2008: Tribute to Emily Bailes
In a heartfelt gesture, Sharapova sent a DVD message to the memorial service of Emily Bailes in July 2008. Emily had memorably performed the coin toss at the 2004 Wimbledon final, which Sharapova won.
August 2008: Sharapova's Cincinnati Open Victory
In August 2008, Maria Sharapova won the Cincinnati Open, defeating Jelena Janković in a marathon final that lasted over two and a half hours. This victory propelled her back into the top 4 in the world rankings.
2008: Controversy Surrounding Fed Cup Attendance
Sharapova's attendance at the Fed Cup final, despite being ineligible to play, sparked controversy. Some teammates suggested she was present to fulfill Olympic eligibility requirements rather than out of genuine team spirit.
2008: Top 10 Finish
Sharapova finished 2011 ranked No. 4 in the world, her first top-10 finish since 2008 and her first top-5 finish since 2007.
2008: Wimbledon Championships
Sharapova entered the 2012 Wimbledon Championships as the top seed for the first time since the 2008 French Open. She lost in the fourth round to Sabine Lisicki, ending her 15-match winning streak and causing her to lose the world No. 1 ranking.
2008: French Open Victory and Career Grand Slam
In 2012, Sharapova won the French Open, her first French Open title and her first Grand Slam title since 2008. This victory completed her Career Grand Slam, making her the tenth woman in history to achieve this feat.
2008: Thoughts on Retirement
In 2008, after Justine Henin's early retirement at 25, Sharapova expressed that she might have considered retiring as well with so many Grand Slam wins. However, she also mentioned her desire for family life in the future.
2008: Loss to Dinara Safina
In 2008, Maria Sharapova lost to Dinara Safina in the fourth round of the French Open, the last time she lost a clay court match after winning the first set until 2015.
2008: Sharapova Returns with Modified Serve
Following a break from tennis due to injury, Sharapova returned in 2008 with a modified service motion. While this adjustment resulted in more aces, it also led to a significant increase in double faults.
February 2009: Sharapova's Return to Top 10
Maria Sharapova returned to the top 10 rankings in February 2009 after reaching the final of a tournament in Key Biscayne.
2009: Sharapova's US Open Series and Fourth Round Exit
In 2009, Maria Sharapova reached the finals of the Bank of the West Classic and the Western & Southern Open during the US Open Series. She then advanced to the fourth round of the US Open, where she lost to top seed Caroline Wozniacki.
2009: Sharapova's First Clay Court Title
Sharapova won her first title on red clay at the 2009 Internationaux de Strasbourg, marking a significant improvement in her performance on the surface.
2009: Conclusion of Gatorade and Tropicana Partnership
Sharapova's endorsement agreement with Gatorade and Tropicana, which began in 2007, came to an end in 2009.
2009: Sharapova's Serve After Injury
Throughout 2009, Sharapova continued to use a shortened service motion as she recovered from her injury.
January 2010: Lucrative Nike Contract Renewal
In a historic agreement, Sharapova renewed her contract with Nike in January 2010 for a remarkable $70 million over eight years. This landmark deal set a new benchmark as the most lucrative endorsement contract ever awarded to a female athlete, solidifying her position as a global icon in the sports world.
July 2010: Visit to Chernobyl Affected Area
Fulfilling her commitment as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Sharapova visited areas affected by the Chernobyl disaster in July 2010.
2010: Sharapova's Serve Reaches Top Speed
Sharapova's serve reached a career-high speed of 121 mph at the 2010 Birmingham tournament, demonstrating a return to her pre-surgery service motion.
2010: Sharapova's Playing Style Evolution
After returning from shoulder surgery in 2010, Sharapova modified her forehand technique, incorporating more topspin. This adaptation aimed to improve her performance on clay courts but had a mixed impact on her game on other surfaces.
2010: Worst Grand Slam Result Since 2010
Sharapova's loss in the first round of Wimbledon in 2018 marked her worst Grand Slam performance since the 2010 Australian Open.
2010: Started Using Prince EXO3 Black 100
Maria Sharapova began using the Prince EXO3 Black 100 racquet in 2010.
2010: Launch of Nike Maria Sharapova Collection
In 2010, Sharapova added fashion designer to her repertoire by launching her own tennis apparel line, the Nike Maria Sharapova Collection, in partnership with Nike and Cole Haan. This collection featured dresses she designed for major tournaments, showcasing her creativity and style.
June 2011: Recognition by Time Magazine
Time magazine named Maria Sharapova one of the "30 Legends of Women's Tennis: Past, Present and Future" in June 2011.
2011: Signed Endorsement Deal with Head Racquets
After a decade with Prince, Maria Sharapova signed an endorsement deal with Head Racquets in 2011 and began using their Instinct line.
2011: Forbes' Top 50 Paid Athletes
Breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of professional sports, Sharapova secured the No. 29 spot on Forbes' list of the 50 top-paid athletes in 2011, becoming the sole female representative on the prestigious list.
2011: Sharapova's Clay-Court Success and French Open
In 2011, Maria Sharapova achieved notable success on clay, winning the Italian Open by defeating Samantha Stosur in the final. She then reached the semifinals of the French Open, her first Grand Slam semifinal since returning from a shoulder injury.
2011: US Open and Pan Pacific Open
In 2011, Sharapova reached the third round of the US Open and climbed to world No. 2 after the tournament. She then participated in the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, where she retired in the quarterfinals due to an ankle injury.
2011: Mixed Results in Fed Cup
In the 2011 Fed Cup, Sharapova lost her match against France's Virginie Razzano but Russia ultimately won.
2011: Sharapova's Coaching Change and Auckland Open
Maria Sharapova began the 2011 season by adding Thomas Högstedt to her coaching team. She then participated in the Auckland Open as the top seed but lost in the quarterfinals. Following the tournament, she parted ways with coach Michael Joyce.
2011: Sharapova's Australian Open and Early Season
Maria Sharapova's 2011 season included a fourth-round appearance at the Australian Open, followed by withdrawals from tournaments in Dubai and Qatar due to an ear infection. She returned to action in March at the BNP Paribas Open.
2011: Qatar Open and Indian Wells Victory
Sharapova lost to Serena Williams in the semifinals of the 2013 Qatar Open. She then won the Indian Wells tournament, defeating Caroline Wozniacki in the final. This victory marked her second Indian Wells title and her first since 2011.
March 2012: Tennis Channel Recognition
The Tennis Channel named Maria Sharapova one of the "100 Greatest of All Time" in March 2012.
July 2012: Last Held World No. 1 Ranking
July 2012 marked the last time Maria Sharapova held the world No. 1 ranking in women's singles tennis.
August 2012: Engagement Ends
In August 2012, Maria Sharapova confirmed her separation from her fiancé, Slovenian basketball player Sasha Vujačić, ending their engagement that had begun in 2011.
2012: Olympic Flag Bearer
Sharapova was chosen to be the flag bearer for the Russian Olympic team at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, becoming the first female Russian athlete to receive this honor.
2012: Indian Wells Open, Sony Ericsson Open, and Porsche Grand Prix
Sharapova was a finalist in the 2012 Indian Wells Open and the Sony Ericsson Open, losing to Victoria Azarenka and Agnieszka Radwańska, respectively. She won her first title of the year at the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart, defeating Azarenka in the final.
2012: Australian Open and Open GDF Suez
Sharapova started her 2012 season at the Australian Open, reaching the finals but losing to Victoria Azarenka. She then competed in the Open GDF Suez in Paris, where she lost in the quarterfinals.
2012: Victory and Illness in Fed Cup Tie
Sharapova contributed to Russia's win against Spain in the 2012 Fed Cup but was unable to play her second match due to illness.
2012: Launched Sugarpova Candy Brand
Maria Sharapova launched her confectionery brand, Sugarpova, in 2012.
2012: Shift in Perspective on Career Longevity
By 2012, Sharapova's stance on retirement had evolved. She expressed her intention to continue playing as long as she enjoyed the game, showing a shift towards focusing on her passion for tennis.
2012: Growing Female Presence in Top 20 Athletes
In 2012, the landscape of top-earning athletes saw a positive shift as Sharapova, ranked No. 15, was joined by fellow female tennis stars Li Na at No. 16 and Serena Williams at No. 17, demonstrating the increasing prominence and recognition of women in professional sports.
2012: Olympic Debut and Silver Medal
Sharapova made her Olympic debut at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, winning a silver medal in women's singles after losing to Serena Williams in the final.
2012: Three-Time Defending Champion in Stuttgart
Maria Sharapova was the three-time defending champion at the Stuttgart Open in 2012.
2012: Olympic Silver Medal
Maria Sharapova won a silver medal in women's singles at the 2012 London Olympics.
2012: Won the French Open
Maria Sharapova won the French Open in 2012.
August 2013: Return from Shoulder Injury
In August 2013, Maria Sharapova returned to professional tennis after a break due to a recurring shoulder injury.
2013: Became Brand Ambassador for Porsche
Maria Sharapova signed a three-year deal to become a brand ambassador for Porsche in 2013.
2013: Three-Time Defending Champion in Stuttgart
Maria Sharapova was the three-time defending champion at the Stuttgart Open in 2013.
2013: Brisbane International Withdrawal and Australian Open
Sharapova withdrew from the Brisbane International due to a collarbone injury. She then started her 2013 season at the Australian Open, reaching the semifinals but losing to Li Na.
2013: First Opening Round Loss Since 2013
Sharapova experienced her first opening-round loss since 2013 at the Kremlin Cup in 2017.
2014: Won Second French Open Title
In 2014, Maria Sharapova won her second French Open title.
2014: Invested in Supergoop!
Maria Sharapova made an investment in the sunscreen brand Supergoop! in 2014.
2014: Three-Time Defending Champion in Stuttgart
Maria Sharapova was the three-time defending champion at the Stuttgart Open in 2014.
2014: Sharapova Excels on Clay
Sharapova achieved the highest winning percentage on clay among active WTA players in 2014, solidifying her status as a top competitor on all court surfaces.
2014: Promotion of Sochi Winter Olympics
Sharapova played an active role in promoting the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia. Her contributions included serving as the first torchbearer in the torch-lighting ceremony during the Games' opening festivities.
2014: Last US Open Win Before Suspension
Sharapova's last victory at the US Open before her suspension was in 2014.
2015: First WTA Title After Suspension
Sharapova won her first WTA title since 2015 at the Tianjin Open in 2017 after returning from suspension.
2015: Sharapova's Consecutive Title Streak
In 2015, Maria Sharapova won the Brisbane International, marking her 13th consecutive year winning at least one title.
2015: Sharapova's Contributions and Final Loss in Fed Cup
Sharapova played a crucial role in securing Russia's place in the 2015 Fed Cup semifinals, winning key matches. Despite her victories in the final against the Czech Republic, Russia lost.
2015: Grasscourt Season and Wimbledon Return
In 2015, Sharapova returned to tennis after a four-month break, playing at the Mallorca Open and Wimbledon. She won her first grasscourt match since 2015 in Mallorca but lost in the second round. At Wimbledon, she retired in the third set of her first-round match.
January 2016: Failed Drug Test and Suspension
In January 2016, Maria Sharapova failed a drug test for meldonium and was provisionally suspended from tennis.
January 2016: Meldonium Ban in Effect
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned the substance meldonium, effective January 2016.
January 2016: Meldonium Added to Banned Substances List
Meldonium, the substance Sharapova tested positive for, was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned substances list in January 2016.
March 2016: Failed Drug Test Announcement
In March 2016, Sharapova announced that she had failed a drug test at the Australian Open.
March 2016: Denial of Missed Warnings
In March 2016, Sharapova denied reports that she had missed five warnings about meldonium's banned status.
June 2016: Suspension from Tennis
In June 2016, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) suspended Maria Sharapova from playing tennis for two years due to a meldonium doping violation.
September 2016: Court of Arbitration for Sport Hearing
In September 2016, a Court of Arbitration for Sport panel acknowledged Sharapova's lack of intent to cheat but found her at fault for not ensuring her medication complied with regulations.
October 2016: Ban Reduced
In October 2016, Maria Sharapova's ban from tennis was reduced from 24 months to 15 months.
October 2016: Suspension Reduced
Maria Sharapova's suspension was reduced to 15 months in October 2016 after the Court of Arbitration for Sport found she had committed "no significant fault."
2016: Explanation of Meldonium Use
Sharapova explained that she had been taking meldonium, the substance for which she failed a drug test, for 10 years for medical reasons.
2016: Consistently Ranked as Top Earner
Sharapova's earning power proved remarkably resilient as she consistently topped Forbes' list of highest-paid female athletes annually until 2016, even in the face of challenges like her 2007 shoulder injury.
2016: Last Grand Slam Quarterfinal Before Suspension
Sharapova's last Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance before serving her suspension was at the 2016 Australian Open.
2016: Withdrawal from Brisbane International
Maria Sharapova withdrew from the 2016 Brisbane International due to a left forearm injury.
2016: Return to Tennis After Suspension
In 2016, Sharapova returned to tennis after serving a suspension. She received wildcards for several tournaments, including the US Open, where she reached the fourth round.
2016: Reactions from Fellow Tennis Players
Fellow tennis players reacted to Sharapova's failed drug test with mixed opinions in 2016, some expressing disappointment and others support.
April 2017: Return to WTA Tour
Maria Sharapova returned to the WTA Tour in April 2017 after serving her suspension.
April 2017: Return to WTA Tour
Maria Sharapova returned to the WTA Tour in April 2017 after her suspension, playing her first match in the Porsche Grand Prix.
September 2017: Autobiography Publication
Sharapova's autobiography, titled "Unstoppable. My Life So Far," hit the shelves on September 12, 2017, offering readers a personal glimpse into her life and career journey.
2017: Denied Wildcard Entry to French Open
In 2017, Maria Sharapova was denied a wildcard entry to the French Open after her return from suspension.
2018: Return to French Open and First Grand Slam Quarterfinal Since Suspension
In 2018, Sharapova returned to the French Open, where she reached the quarterfinals, marking her first Grand Slam quarterfinal since her return from suspension.
2018: Women's Entrepreneurship Program
Maria Sharapova launched a program to mentor women entrepreneurs in 2018.
2018: Return to Australian Open After Suspension
Sharapova returned to the Australian Open in 2018 after serving her suspension, reaching the third round.
2019: Sugarpova Reportedly Made $20 Million in Sales
By 2019, Maria Sharapova's candy brand, Sugarpova, had reportedly made $20 million in sales that year.
2019: 800th Career Singles Match and Shoulder Injury
Sharapova played her 800th career singles match at the Shenzhen Open in 2019. She also dealt with a shoulder injury that year, requiring surgery and causing her to withdraw from several tournaments.
February 2020: Retirement from Tennis
On February 2020, Maria Sharapova announced her retirement from professional tennis after a successful career, citing the physical and mental demands of the sport.
December 2020: Engagement to Alexander Gilkes
Maria Sharapova and British businessman Alexander Gilkes announced their engagement in December 2020.
2020: Retired from Professional Tennis
Maria Sharapova retired from professional tennis in 2020.
2020: Early Tournament Exits
Sharapova participated in several tournaments in 2020, including the Brisbane International, Kooyong Classic, and Australian Open, but faced early-round defeats in all of them.
2020: Retirement from Professional Tennis
Maria Sharapova retired from professional tennis in 2020.
2020: Appeared on Shark Tank
Maria Sharapova appeared as a guest shark on the American TV show Shark Tank in 2020 and invested in Bala Bangles, a company that makes wearable wrist and ankle weights, with Mark Cuban.
2021: Blackstone Bought Majority Stake in Supergoop!
In 2021, it was reported that Blackstone had purchased a majority stake in the sunscreen company, Supergoop!.
March 2022: Stance on Ukraine War
In March 2022, Sharapova publicly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She demonstrated her support for Ukraine by pledging a donation to 'Save the Children' to aid children affected by the conflict.
April 2022: Joined Moncler's Board of Directors
In April 2022, Maria Sharapova joined the Board of Directors of the fashion brand Moncler.
July 2022: Birth of First Child
On July 1, 2022, Maria Sharapova gave birth to her first child, a son, with her fiancé Alexander Gilkes.