1. A Quiet Power: Maria Sharapova’s Mother
Maria Sharapova’s mother, Yelena Sharapova, emerged as a cornerstone of her life and career—though largely unseen by the public eye. Originally from Gomel, Belarus, Yelena embodied a quiet but unshakeable strength. It was she who “studied with me every single day when I was growing up”—teaching Maria Russian, English, and guiding her academically while her father coached the tennis. She was, as Maria described, her “cultural tutor”.
Despite not often attending tournaments, Yelena’s influence was omnipresent. Maria explained that her mother “does everything behind the scenes… she just brings such good energy and positive chi”. She preferred reading and art to the chaos of the players’ lounge and removed herself from the spotlight deliberately Sportskeeda.
The physical separation early on deepened their bond. When Maria moved to Florida at age five to train, visa issues delayed Yelena’s arrival for two years. They maintained their closeness through letters. Years later, Maria reflected on that time saying, “I didn’t see my mom for two years… I cannot imagine that type of separation”
In summary, Yelena’s nurturing was as vital off the court as her daughter’s power game was on it.
2. Grand Slam Greatness: A Tennis Legacy
Maria Sharapova’s tennis career is a hallmark of determination and triumph:
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Across her pro career (2001–2020), she claimed 36 WTA singles titles, including five Grand Slam victories—one each at Wimbledon (2004), the US Open (2006), the Australian Open (2008), and two at the French Open (2012, 2014). She also won the year-end WTA Finals
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Sharapova is one of just ten women to achieve a Career Grand Slam, highlighting her versatility across surfaces.
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She first rose to World No. 1 on August 22, 2005, the first Russian female to do so.
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Her career prize money is among the highest in women’s tennis: total winnings of approximately $38.78 million, placing her fifth all-time in WTA earnings as of August 2025.
Sharapova’s relentlessness—both mentally gritty and power-driven—made her a standout performer and a global icon.
3. The Doping Scandal: Meldonium and Its Fallout
One of the most controversial moments in Maria’s career came in 2016, when she tested positive for meldonium, a drug banned by WADA starting January 1 of that year.
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Meldonium, marketed as Mildronate, is a medication used for heart conditions that also boosts endurance and recovery—commonly used in Eastern Europe but unapproved by the FDA
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Sharapova admitted she had been taking it for health reasons for a decade and had not realized it had been added to the banned list.
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The ITF initially issued a two-year ban, citing that Sharapova bore “sole responsibility” despite not intending to cheat. The Court of Arbitration for Sport later reduced her suspension to 15 months, acknowledging the absence of intentional cheating.
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Her return to Grand Slams came at the 2017 US Open, where she made a strong comeback by defeating world number two Simona Halep.
The scandal, while significantly damaging her reputation, ultimately became a part of her complex legacy of resilience and accountability.
4. From Courts to Commerce: Sharapova’s Net Worth
Maria Sharapova is not just a tennis legend—she’s a business mogul with a formidable post-retirement empire.
Earnings from Tennis & Endorsements
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On-court, her prize money totaled nearly $39 million.
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Her endorsement earnings, however, eclipsed that—estimated to be in the ballpark of $250 million over her career.
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In 2010, she signed a landmark $70 million deal with Nike, among other major sponsorships with brands like Porsche, Evian, Gatorade, Tiffany, and Tag Heuer.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
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In 2012, Sharapova launched Sugarpova, her premium confectionery brand, which by 2019 was estimated to be worth $20 million.
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She invested early in Supergoop, a skincare brand, and later held a board seat with Moncler and stakes in wellness startups such as Therabody, Public.com, and MoonPay.
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Sharapova also served as a guest investor on Shark Tank in 2020, partnering with Mark Cuban to invest in Bala Bangles.
Current Estimated Net Worth
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Forbes (2022) estimated her net worth at $220 million
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CelebrityNetWorth (as of July 2025) placed it around $180 million
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The Sun recently reported her fortune hitting £130 million, equivalent to roughly $160 million, alongside continued ventures in furniture design.
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Another estimate suggests Sugarpova alone is worth £150 million, generating £16 million annually.
All in all, Sharapova has smartly parlayed her sports fame into sustainable wealth far beyond her career earnings.
5. Closing Thoughts
Maria Sharapova’s journey is a masterclass in transformation—from a Chernobyl-born child who moved continents for tennis, to a dominant Grand Slam champion, through the turmoil of a doping scandal, into a flourishing entrepreneur and mother in a new chapter of life.
Her mother’s unwavering support planted the roots of resilience and education. On court, she dominated with power and poise. Off court, she built a thriving business empire that continues to grow. Sharapova has turned setbacks into stepping stones, cementing her legacy both in sports and business.
