Sharapova, 37, won the US Open in 2006. In February 2020, after winning 36 career titles, including five Grand Slam singles trophies, Sharapova made the decision to step away from professional tennis.
She began her professional career in 2001.
Her success on the court also translated to financial rewards, with Sharapova reportedly accumulating over $38 million in prize money during her time as a professional tennis player.
Sharapova clinched her maiden Grand Slam title as a 17-year-old teenager when she triumphed over the formidable Serena Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon final, announcing her arrival on the grand stage. She then went on to win the US Open (2006), Australian Open (2008) and the French Open (2012 and 2014).
She, thus, accomplished the rare distinction of winning the career Grand Slam (all four majors), becoming one of only ten women to do so. Notably, she remains the sole Russian player to have attained this milestone, cementing her status as a trailblazer in her country’s tennis history.
Sharapova’s journey to the top of the rankings began on August 22, 2005, when she first ascended to the coveted No. 1 spot. Over the course of her career, she held the top position for a total of 21 weeks, spread across five separate occasions.
Her final stint as the world No. 1 came in 2012.