Maria Sharapova, the former tennis superstar who once dominated the courts, stole the spotlight at the US Open-this time, not for her powerful serve but for her quick wit.
While attending the tournament as a spectator with her fiancé, Alexander Gilkes, Sharapova took a playful jab at herself after the US Open’s official X account shared a video of her heatedly talking with Gilkes on the semifinal match between Aryana Sabalenka and Emma Navarro.
“I look like I just missed a second serve return on break point and saw my coach’s reaction,” Sharapova humorously commented, poking fun at her past on-court intensity.
For its part, the US Open account praised her by saying, “She’s an icon, and she’s the moment. Great to have you tonight, @MariaSharapova!”
The five-time Grand Slam champion, known for her fierce competitiveness, has shown she can embrace her lighter side, even while watching from the stands.
Sharapova learned to love New York
Sharapova’s presence at the match wasn’t just about supporting tennis, she was also there to participate in the second edition of “Champions of Equality,” an event she sponsors that honors women who have fought for equality in sports.
The former World No. 1, who won her second Grand Slam at the US Open in 2006, has learned to “embrace” New York’s energy after initially struggling with the city’s intensity. “Ever since my victory [in 2006], I’ve loved it,” she reflected.
Though she retired in 2020, Sharapova’s career was marked by triumphs and challenges, including a significant shoulder injury that affected her once-powerful serve. Despite the setbacks, she achieved a career Grand Slam and accumulated 36 singles titles.
Her success was a family effort
Reflecting on her achievements, Sharapova expressed, “This is not just preparation that happened a couple of weeks before the tournament; this is the preparation that I’ve done ever since I was a little girl with the help of my amazing family.”
Now, years after her retirement, Sharapova’s return to the US Open, complete with humor and humility, shows she’s still a fan favorite. As she continues to shine both on and off the court, her legacy remains as iconic as ever.