Maria Sharapova Announces Shocking Return to Professional Tennis July 18, 2025 – London, UK In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, former world No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has officially announced her return to professional tennis. The Russian superstar made the stunning revelation during a press conference at Wimbledon, just over five years after she retired from the sport in February 2020.

 

Maria Sharapova Announces Shocking Return to Professional Tennis

July 18, 2025 – London, UK

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, former world No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has officially announced her return to professional tennis. The Russian superstar made the stunning revelation during a press conference at Wimbledon, just over five years after she retired from the sport in February 2020.

 

The 38-year-old Sharapova, who left the game citing persistent injuries and a desire to explore life beyond the court, stated that her competitive fire never truly faded.

 

> “I’ve missed the adrenaline, the fight, and the magic of match day,” Sharapova told a packed room of journalists. “I feel physically strong, mentally fresh, and incredibly motivated. It’s time.”

Sharapova confirmed she has been quietly training for over a year, working with a new coaching team and a revamped fitness regimen. Sources close to the athlete say she has been training at a high level at academies in Florida and Spain, playing practice sets against current top 100 players with encouraging results.

While she did not specify which tournament will mark her official comeback, Sharapova hinted that she may request a wildcard entry into the 2025 US Open, where she won her first Grand Slam title in 2006 as a teenager.

> “New York has always had a special place in my heart. We’ll see what happens, but I’d love to be back under the lights at Arthur Ashe,” she said with a smile.

Sharapova’s return comes at a time when the WTA Tour is thriving with fresh talent, including Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, and Emma Raducanu. Tennis analysts are already speculating on how Sharapova’s aggressive baseline game will stack up against today’s new generation.

Former rival and friend Serena Williams reacted positively to the news on social media, tweeting: “Welcome back, Maria. Let’s see what you’ve got 💪🏽🎾.”

Sharapova’s career was one of both brilliance and controversy. After bursting onto the scene by winning Wimbledon at just 17 in 2004, she went on to complete the career Grand Slam. However, her 2016 suspension for using the banned substance meldonium cast a shadow over her legacy, though she returned and fought her way back into the top 30 before retiring.

Since stepping away from tennis, Sharapova has built a successful business empire, including her premium candy brand Sugarpova, and made numerous media and fashion appearances. Yet, she confessed that no amount of off-court success could replicate the thrill of competition.

 

> “I’ve had a beautiful life outside the sport, but nothing compares to walking onto center court with a racquet in your hand,” she said.

 

The tennis world will now wait with bated breath for her first match, eager to see if one of the sport’s most iconic figures can stage a historic comeback.

 

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