Former world number one and multiple Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova doesn’t stay active on social media. She always preferred keeping things private throughout her career and silently announced her retirement from tennis last year.
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Ever since her retirement, the Russian has focused more on her candy line named ‘Sugarpova’, got engaged, and even had a fun-filled fan interaction online. During one of her recent tweets, Sharapova remembered her long-term association with the WTA Stuttgart Open; the tournament is all set to start from April 19th.
“Have an amazing week! Miss the entire Porsche team, the winning car, and the asparagus season.” Maria Sharapova tweeted.
Have an amazing week! Miss the entire Porsche team, the winning car 🚗 , and the asparagus season 🤷🏼♀️
Let’s see what our Tournament Directors, our Brand Ambassadors as well as defending champion @Petra_Kvitova and Stuttgart debutant @ashbarty think ahead of the tournament. But Porsche CEO Oliver Blume starts with the first serve! @MariaSharapova @AngeliqueKerber @AussieGrit
Sharapova won the Stuttgart open three times(2012, 2013, 2014); she also holds the record of winning 13 consecutive matches in the tournament. Since Maria has always shared a liking for the red turf, winning Stuttgart gave her the necessary preparation ahead of the French Open.
Winning the Stuttgart open in 2012 and 2014 also ensured Sharapova of claiming the Roland Garros titles in both years. She also managed to reach the French Open final in 2013, where she lost to Serena Williams.
During her incredible run at Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena, Sharapova managed to beat several Grand Slam champions like Victoria Azarenka, Li Na, and Ana Ivanovic. Her record at Stuttgart stands at 16-3 as she became the only player to win the tournament thrice.
The Stuttgart open also became the comeback tournament for Sharapova in 2017 after a 15-month doping ban. She managed to reach the semi-finals, where she lost to Kristina Mladenovic in a grueling three-set encounter.
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STUTTGART, GERMANY – APRIL 28: Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates winning match point in match against Anett Kontaveit of Estonia during the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at Porsche Arena on April 28, 2017 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Bongarts/Getty Images)
The tournament looks all set for this year’s edition featuring top stars in the women’s circuit with the likes of Petra Kvitova(defending champion), Ash Barty, Sofia Kenin, Simona Halep amongst others. The event will take place without fans this year.
The main draw ceremony will take place at 2 pm CET today.