SUMMARY
- Maria Sharapova is one of the most prominent names in the world of sports.
- Since hanging up her racket, Sharapova has focused her attention on other pastures.
Maria Sharapova is one of the most well-recognized names in the world. The Russian star has won numerous accolades throughout her career, including five Grand Slams. Sharapova‘s name has always inspired awe and intrigue, and it has not faded even though she has stepped away from the tennis courts.
Maria was one of the most legendary players of all time. She sent shockwaves through the tennis world when she conquered Wimbledon at the age of 17. Maria took on Serena Williams in the final in 2004, and nobody had expected Sharapova to win. However, she did, and it marked the start of her incredible career that spanned nearly two decades.
Maria’s exploits with a racket were not just limited to the grass court. She went on to replicate her success at the French Open, the Australian Open, and the US Open as well. Moreover, Sharapova is also an Olympic silver medalist, which she won in 2012.
Sharapova hung up her racket in 2020 and traded her successful career as a professional tennis player for a successful career in business. In 2012, she founded the premium candy brand ‘Sugerpova’. At present, the former world No. 1 is also a member of the Board of Directors of fashion brand Moncler. Maria is also an investor in wellness and beauty brands, including Bala Bangles, Therabody, and Supergoop.
Since her retirement, Maria Sharapova has also embraced motherhood. She gave birth to a baby boy, named Theodore, in 2022. Sharapova may have retired from tennis, but she does drop by matches from time to time. The Russian star lives in Florida with her family, but despite living in the US for years, has she obtained citizenship?
Is Maria Sharapova a US citizen?
In her long career, Sharapova became synonymous with the sport itself, as was her status. Throughout her career, she has always identified as a Russian citizen. However, she has been living in the US since 1994, so does she have dual citizenship?
Maria forayed into the world of tennis at the age of 6 in Russia. She eventually moved away to the US to train under the famous coach, Nick Bollettieri. Since then, Maria has lived in Florida as a resident, even though she does not hold American citizenship.
Sharapova finally spoke up on this issue. She mentioned that she would have taken American citizenship if she really wanted it. In the end, she figured she would stay true to her Russian identity, as it taught her to never give up. “I acquired the attitude of never giving up and for this reason I have decided to stay alone with Russian citizenship,” she said (via Tennis World USA).
Maria Sharapova enjoyed a glorious career. She embodied the Russian spirit, and her tenacity reflected it in spades. Sharapova is the only Russian player to win the career slam, leaving behind a lasting legacy.