More than a pump: The meaning of Maria Sharapova’s victory fist

Maria Sharapova’s famous victory fist, that sharp, determined gesture she made after winning a crucial point, is one of the most recognizable symbols in modern tennis.

For years, it represented dominance, focus, and the competitive fire of a champion. But as Sharapova revealed in a recent conversation at Web Summit Lisbon 2025, the meaning of that fist has changed dramatically. What once celebrated athletic triumph now embodies a far richer story about resilience, identity, motherhood, and the ongoing courage to reinvent oneself.

Throughout her career, Sharapova’s presence on the court was unmistakable. She rose from a young immigrant athlete to a global icon, collecting five Grand Slam titles and reaching world No. 1. Her fist pump became part of her identity, a moment of controlled emotion amid the intensity of the match.

But what few realised at the time was how deeply that gesture connected to her inner world. It was not simply a celebration of a point won; it was a signal of persistence, of discipline, of a girl who grew up far from home and fought for every inch of her success.

Now, years after stepping away from professional tennis, Sharapova has a new perspective on that gesture. Today, the victories she celebrates look nothing like those that defined her career. Instead of lifting trophies, she is building companies, raising a child, and navigating the complexities of a multidimensional life.

The fist still rises, but for different reasons. Sometimes, it’s in response to a business milestone. Other times, it’s when her three-year-old son reaches a small developmental milestone, or when she pushes through a tough day with grace. The symbol remains the same, yet the meaning has deepened.

During her Web Summit talk, Sharapova was asked which part of her younger self would survive if she were to begin her career today, in an era shaped by constant digital exposure and social media scrutiny. Without hesitation, she said: honesty.

"Take responsibility. Be consistent. Look inside and recognize your weaknesses, limits, insecurities, and above all, work on them. Honesty will be the force that sustains you."

To her, honesty is the anchor that keeps someone grounded when the world tries to define them. It is what allows a person to remain consistent, authentic, and resilient in moments of pressure.

This honesty also feeds into her understanding of identity. Sharapova spoke about the freedom she now embraces to be many things at once. In her words, the world often tries to convince women that they must choose one version of themselves: the elegant one, the strong one, the competitive one, the nurturing one. But Sharapova refuses to be reduced to a single label. She believes strength comes from embracing the full spectrum of who you are.

Her philosophy is also shaped by adversity. Sharapova openly discussed her 2016 suspension, a moment that could have permanently altered her legacy. Instead of letting it define her, she used it to expand her thinking. She studied leadership, explored business, began investing, and took a hard look at the type of woman she wanted to become.

Another key shift in her understanding of victory is the role of intuition. In a world dominated by quick rewards, constant comparisons, and countless distractions, sharpening one’s intuition is, in Sharapova’s view, an act of strength. She encourages others, especially young women, to listen to their inner signals, to trust their instincts, and to stay aligned with their values even when the world pushes them toward shortcuts. That alignment, she believes, is what creates a life of authenticity and longevity.

Her transition from tennis star to entrepreneur also redefined how she sees success. Today, success is less about public validation and more about internal clarity. She no longer separates her personal life from her professional ambitions; instead, she sees them as interconnected parts of her identity.

Motherhood, for example, has reshaped her priorities but has also strengthened her sense of purpose. Building businesses has activated her creativity and strategic mind just as intensely as preparing for a Grand Slam once did. Her victory fist, lifted these days in quieter settings, celebrates these private, deeply meaningful wins.

Ultimately, Sharapova’s fist has become a symbol of a life lived with intention. It honors her journey from a young girl arriving in the United States with a racket and a dream to a woman who confidently holds many roles: athlete, entrepreneur, mother, investor, mentor, and storyteller. It reflects the courage required to evolve rather than remain trapped in who the world expects you to be.