Tennis ace Maria Sharapova surprised dedicated followers with her astonishing makeover, sporting a sophisticated brunette hairstyle, a stark contrast to her usual blonde tresses.
The 38 year old tennis great, who hung up her racket in 2020, leapt into the limelight as a teenager by besting Serena Williams for the Wimbledon crown at a mere 17. The five-time Grand Slam winner, known for maintaining her signature golden mane throughout her playing years, showcased her chic transformation during Hotel II Pellicano’s 60th-anniversary bash in Monte Argentario, Italy, this Monday – sparking fans to exclaim she was “unrecognisable”.
Stepping out with her British beau Alex Gilkes, Sharapova’s new visage certainly commanded attention, with enthusiasts barely recognising the sports star sans her iconic platinum locks.
Not least forgotten are Sharapova’s illustrious career achievements, including her full set of Grand Slam victories, complete with her initial Wimbledon victory followed by a US Open win, an Australian Open triumph, and two French Open titles.
In addition to etching her name in history as the third-youngest woman ever to nab a Wimbledon title, the Russian sensation proudly clinched the honour of being the first from her country to earn a career Grand Slam, capped off with an Olympic silver medal on London’s hallowed courts in 2012.
Sharapova, once dubbed “the hottest athlete in the world” by Maxim for four years on the trot, boasts a career that spans beyond ace serves. Named among Forbes’ top 100 most mighty celebs from 2005 to 2011, Sharapova struck poses for Sports Illustrated too.
Her tennis triumphs however were tarnished when in 2016 she faced a 15-month ban (shortened from two years) after testing positive for meldonium – a blip she ascribed to an oversight, asserting it was an accidental intake following her doctor’s counsel, unaware of WADA’s prohibition.
Post-retirement, the sporting superstar, followed by a whopping 4.6 million fans on Instagram, has relished lavish getaways with fiancé Alexander Gilkes – their engagement announced in December 2020.
Come July 2022, the couple introduced their bundle of joy, Theodore, into the world. Sharapova now embraces the new chapter as ‘Mama’ in her Insta bio.
The former court queen, whose racket raked in over £31 million, swapped Grand Slams for grand plans in business, launching sweet venture Sugarpova and backing supergoop during her play days.
Raising her entrepreneurial game, she’s sunk investments into wellness outfit therabody and fashionably ascended to Moncler’s board of directors in 2022.
Sharapova also serves as an advisor to brands such as Naked Retail and Bright, in addition to investing in a variety of other companies including UFC, Tonal, Public.com, Moonpay and Clio Snacks.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk