Even though it has been over three years since she bid farewell to the game, Maria Sharapova remains a hot topic in the tennis sphere. When talking about her sporting career, the former top-seed shot to fame after her infamous Wimbledon final triumph in 2004 over her long-time rival Serena Williams. Not to forget that she was just 17 at the time. Although Sharapova’s prime did not last as long as Serena, the Russian legend was an “entertainer” while she played the game.

Talking about the same, the 5-time Grand Slam champ opened up about what motivated her to perform and entertain the tennis world every time she stepped onto a tennis court. Throughout her storied career, fans have showered Sharapova with love and supported her through thick and thin. And now she has revealed how she returned the favor to her fans!

Maria Sharapova on being an ‘entertainer’ and inspiring fans

In a recent interview with Stagwell as part of their Sport Beach campaign at Cannes, Sharapova revealed why it was important for her to give her best as a performer, even on her bad days.

“I realized this when I was a little bit older, but ultimately I was an entertainer… I wasn’t just doing this for myself, to win, but when I went on the court and I was having a really bad day, there could be someone in the audience that was having a bad day themselves..? she said.

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She added that if she could turn that match around and be able to show those people that she was able to do well even on a bad day, they would think that this athlete could achieve that on a bad day in front of so many people, and thus get inspired from it.

Indeed, she was successful in entertaining her fans – be it her amazing victories or overcoming adversities off the court.

A decorated career with many highs and lows

The former world number 1 fought through all obstacles and hardships in her career with grace. Sharapova overcame a niggling shoulder problem and a string of other injuries that plagued large parts of her career. Quite similarly, she courageously dealt with the darkest period of her playing days after being suspended from the sport for 15 months following a failed drug test. Although she was no longer the player she once was, she made an inspiring comeback to the tour after serving her ban.

Maria Sharapova retired from the sport in 2020 at the age of 32, but she will forever be remembered for her undaunting fighting spirit and inspiring comebacks.

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