Tennis star Maria Sharapova is retiring from the sport.
The 32-year-old athlete last won a grand slam in 2014 after winning the French Open for the second time. She most recently played in the 2020 Australian Open when she was knocked out in the first round.
Maria announced the news in a column she wrote for Vanity Fair, writing, “Tennis—I’m saying goodbye.”
“Throughout my career, Is it worth it? was never even a question—in the end, it always was. My mental fortitude has always been my strongest weapon. Even if my opponent was physically stronger, more confident—even just plain better—I could, and did, persevere,” she wrote.
“I’ve never really felt compelled to speak about work, or effort, or grit—every athlete understands the unspoken sacrifices they must make to succeed. But as I embark on my next chapter, I want anyone who dreams of excelling in anything to know that doubt and judgment are inevitable: You will fail hundreds of times, and the world will watch you. Accept it. Trust yourself. I promise that you will prevail,” Maria added.
In 2016, Maria tested positive for banned substance meldonium and wasn’t allowed to play for 15 months. Here’s what Maria said about the banned substance and her suspension from the sport at the time.
In her career, Maria won five grand slam titles – two at the French Open and one each at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
