Maria Sharapova hardly resembled the player she once was when she was "brighter than the Sun" on a balcony in Miami last week. The former Wimbledon champion shot to fame when, at the age of 17, she won her first Grand Slam by defeating Serena Williams, the top-ranked player in the world, on Centre Court. She became well-known for having very long blonde hair as well.
Sharapova, however, has preferred a more natural appearance since her retirement in 2020, and after the former athlete posted a recent photo on her Instagram page, many followers agreed after giving it a second look. The 36-year-old was in town for the Formula 1 race weekend and was seen with Lewis Hamilton at the Formula 1 Accelerate Summer.
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What did Maria Sharapova wear?
Maria Sharapova shared an update with her 4.5 million Instagram followers, writing, "When your photo album has a few new photos other than your child." The 6ft 2ins star flaunts her amazing body while wearing a little bra underneath a long navy pinstripe jacket, a matching skirt, and towering leather boots. She also changed her hair color to a darker brown after years of being a blonde stunner. In the last picture, the 36-year-old is seen participating in Miami's Accelerate Summit for Women Leaders in Sport, Entertainment, and Business.
'Brighter than the sun'
Many of her followers were surprised by her new brunette appearance after being one of the most well-known athletes in the world in her heyday with a completely distinct look. A user on Instagram wrote, "Is there a more gorgeous tennis player than Maria, absolutely love her" Someone said, "Missed the times when you used to serve looks like a queen on court." Another user claimed, "Brighter than the Sun." Some fans find her look adorable with one saying "Perfect look for you. Love your hair darker..stunning." "I hope to one day see you in the Tennis Hall Of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island Maria!" wrote another user.
Why was Maria Sharapova suspended?
Sharapova completed her set at the 2012 French Open, which she won again in 2014. She is among just ten women who have ever won all four Grand Slams. The superstar earned £31 million in prize money as a result of her on-court accomplishments. Off the court, however, she made a reported additional £231 million in endorsement and modeling deals with companies like Nike, Evian, Porsche, and TAG Heuer, as per The Sun. She was considered to be one of the best female players of her era, but in 2016, she was given a 15-month suspension for failing a drug test with Meldonium in her system, marring her reputation.
'Tennis - I'm saying goodbye'
Sharapova won the Tianjin Open seven months after she resumed competing in April 2017. She revealed her retirement in 2020 after dealing with persistent shoulder problems for several years. She gave her fans an emotional farewell letter that reflected on her profound commitment to tennis. "How do you leave behind the only life you've ever known?" Sharapova penned. "How do you walk away from the courts you've trained on since you were a little girl, the game that you love - one which brought you untold tears and unspeakable joys - a sport where you found a family, along with fans who rallied behind you for more than 28 years?" She added, "I'm new to this, so please forgive me. Tennis - I'm saying goodbye," Daily Mail reports.
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