Wimbledon champion looks unrecognisable after striking transformation | Tennis | Sport

A Wimbledon legend has left fans stunned following her dramatic transformation since retiring from the sport. Maria Sharapova, 39, brought her professional tennis career to a close in 2020, and is now practically unrecognisable after exchanging her signature blonde appearance for dyed brunette tresses. Rising to prominence as a teenager following her victory over Serena Williams at SW19, Sharapova’s triumph was nearly as iconic as her hair.

Nevertheless, since retiring her racket, the sporting icon has abandoned her renowned blonde hair for a sophisticated brunette style, leaving followers astounded and describing her as “unrecognisable”. And the fresh appearance stunned admirers when she initially unveiled the look at an event in Italy. Sharapova, photographed alongside her British partner Alex Gilkes, drew attention at the Hotel II Pellicano’s 60th anniversary celebration in Monte Argentario, Italy.

Throughout her competing years, Sharapova secured all four Grand Slam titles, claiming her first victory at Wimbledon in 2004, before winning the US Open in 2006.

The Russian star triumphed at the Australian Open in 2008 and prevailed at the French Open in 2012 and 2014, while also reaching the final in 2013.

In addition to her Grand Slam achievements, Sharapova also secured an Olympic silver medal at the London Games in 2012, falling short to Williams in the women’s singles finale.

Sharapova not only became the third-youngest woman to claim victory at Wimbledon but also secured her position in the record books as the first Russian to achieve a career Grand Slam.

The tennis icon’s achievements weren’t limited to striking balls on the court, as she also blazed a trail off it by being crowned “the hottest athlete in the world” by Maxim for an impressive four successive years.

Beyond that, Forbes included her on their prestigious list as one of the top 100 most powerful celebrities globally from 2005 to 2011.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t entirely smooth going. In 2016, Sharapova faced difficulties when she was handed a 15-month suspension (originally two years) after testing positive for meldonium.

She admitted the infraction but insisted it was an unintentional mistake, clarifying she’d been adhering to her doctor’s advice and was unaware the substance had been added to WADA’s prohibited list.

Since stepping away from tennis, Sharapova has been embracing the high life, savouring luxurious holidays with her fiance Gilkes, who proposed in 2020.

In 2022, the couple welcomed their precious bundle of joy, Theodore, and Sharapova’s Instagram now proudly features ‘Mama’ in her biography.

The former court powerhouse – who’s accumulated a considerable £31million in prize earnings – has excelled in the commercial realm too, establishing her sweet brand Sugarpova, and backing sunscreen leaders Supergoop during her competitive years.

Since hanging up her racquet, however, she has significantly strengthened her corporate footprint, backing wellness powerhouse Therabody and landing a directorship at luxury fashion brand Moncler in 2022.

Sharapova also serves as a consultant to Naked Retail and Bright, while maintaining shareholdings in a number of other ventures including UFC, Tonal, Public.com, Moonpay and Clio Snacks.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page.