The retired former no. 1 tennis player talks to Bazaar.com about the state of tennis today, her new career path, and what she’s looking forward to this U.S. Open

Maria Sharapova is in a state of transition, and it’s inspiring.

In February 2020, the Russian pro tennis player announced her decision to retire from the sport at a professional level. Then just 32 years old, she already had a total 36 titles under her belt, including five major titles—one each from the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open, and two at the French Open. Today, she remains just one of 10 women, and the only Russian-born tennis player, to have achieved a career grand slam.

Sharapova left the sport she loves because she was no longer at her peak—her injuries from years on the court had become a constant source of pain, and she could not compete with her previous achievements. But she still had her entire life ahead of her.

One global pandemic later, Sharapova has followed the footsteps of pro athletes before her and taken a natural next step as a sports and wellness brand ambassador. She is now a member of the board of directors of fashion brand Moncler and continues to endorse brands like Nike and Evian. She has also collaborated with various start-ups, including Therabody and Tonal.

This year’s U.S. Open marks a big occasion for Sharapova, who, now as a supporter and spectator, is honoring the game she knows so well with her own activation. Together with Evian, the athlete is launching a floating tennis court in the New York Harbor—the first of its kind—where she will play with fans as a large screen streams the U.S. Open matches for spectators to watch while sailing.