"I don't know how they do it; I don't see that in my future," Maria Sharapova rules out WTA Tour comeback after motherhood
Other
Maria
Sharapova commented that she wouldn't return to the WTA Tour after becoming a
mother.
The former
world No. 1 retired from tennis in 2020 after a 19-year career. In 2016, she
received a doping ban for meldonium, a medication she had been using for
several years, but she failed to notice when the rules changed that year
regarding the acceptance of this medication.
During her
return to the WTA Tour, she suffered various injuries that prevented her from
playing regularly. Nevertheless, at the age of 30, she managed to win her 36th
title in 2017 at the Tianjin Open, which turned out to be the last of her
career.
Since
retiring, Sharapova has focused on her career as a speaker and entrepreneur,
investing in brands like Therabody, Moonpay, Clio Snacks, among others.
Additionally, the 5-time Grand Slam champion and her fiancé, British
entrepreneur Alexander Gilkes, announced in April 2023 that Sharapova was
pregnant and welcomed their first child, Theodore, in July.
Sharapova
discussed the topic on The Rennae Stubbs Podcast with Andrea Petkovic and
responded to a comment from the German player about the many tennis players who
have become mothers and returned to the WTA Tour:
"I
don't know how they do it"I don't know how they do it; I don't see that in
my future," Sharapova declared about a potential comeback.
Earlier
this year, 29-year-old Elina Svitolina returned to the tour after welcoming her
daughter Skai with her husband Gael Monfils. The Ukrainian reached the
quarterfinals of the French Open, the semifinals of Wimbledon, and won the
Estrasburgo Open, quickly rising to world No. 24 within a few months.
More
recently, former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki made her comeback at the
Canadian Open and surprised with her strong performance at the US Open, just
three weeks after her return.
She reached
the quarterfinals, including victories over 11th seed Petra Kvitova and former
Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady, before falling to eventual champion
Coco Gauff in three sets.
Other
tennis players who have returned to the WTA Tour after becoming mothers include
Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams, Tatjana Maria, Barbora Strycova, and Taylor
Townsend.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
