Rise to Tennis Stardom

Maria Sharapova was once the golden girl of tennis, dominating the women's game and winning five Grand Slam titles, including The Australian Open in 2008 at just 21 years old. Her talent on the court caught the attention of major sponsors like Nike, Evian, Porsche, and Tag Heuer, propelling her to fame and fortune.

The Birth of a Businesswoman

After retiring from tennis at the age of 32, Sharapova didn't fade into obscurity. Instead, she embarked on a new venture as an extraordinary mentor for women business owners. She invested £400,000 in her own sweet business, Sugarpova, 11 years ago. Today, the company is worth a staggering £150 million and clears £16 million annually.

A Childhood Dream

Sharapova's journey to success began in Sochi, a summer beach resort on the Black Sea. It was there that a young Maria dreamed of tennis greatness. At the age of four, she received her first tennis racket and soon showed remarkable talent. Fate brought her to the United States, where she trained with legendary coach Nick Bollettieri at the IMG Academy.

On-Court Success and Off-Court Glamour

Sharapova's on-court achievements were matched by her off-court glamour. She became a global ambassador for brands like Avon, Tag Heuer, and Porsche. Her personal net worth soared to over £300 million, making her one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.

A Scandal and Redemption

In 2016, Sharapova tested positive for a banned substance and served a 15-month drugs ban. Despite the setback, she returned to the WTA circuit, but her career was never the same. A shoulder injury and the emergence of new stars pushed her to retire in 2020. However, Sharapova found redemption in her business endeavors, particularly with Sugarpova.

The Sweet Taste of Success

Sharapova's candy store, Sugarpova, initially faced criticism for promoting sugar snacks. However, she persevered, and today the company is worth £150 million, selling sweets and premium chocolate in over 22 countries. Sharapova has also used her success to mentor female entrepreneurs through the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

Today, Maria Sharapova is not just a tennis legend, but a trailblazing businesswoman, proving that she can make more money than ever outside the realm of sports.