Maria Sharapova’s long-standing connection with Japan has once again taken center stage. The country holds a special place in her career, with Tokyo being the city where she claimed her first WTA title in 2003 at just 16. She went on to defend it the following year, deepening her affection for the country she often calls “magical.”
The five-time Grand Slam champion returned to Japan for her 38th birthday and began the day with her trademark dedication—an early-morning workout at Aman Tokyo. Sharing a mirror selfie with fans, she joked about only accepting “jet lag in Tokyo,” proving fitness remains part of her lifestyle even on her big day.
But the real surprise came when she discovered a Japanese edition of her 2017 autobiography Unstoppable: My Life So Far. Posting it on Instagram, Sharapova admitted, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Japanese edition of my book before,” adding to the joy of her Tokyo celebrations.
Now retired from tennis since 2020, Sharapova continues to thrive in her business and public ventures. Earlier this month, she appeared at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in California, celebrating science’s brightest minds alongside Hollywood stars. Dazzling in a white gown, she praised the event as “a special evening” that honored extraordinary contributions to innovation and research.
Whether through sport, business, or global events, Sharapova continues to captivate fans, showing that her story—much like her bond with Japan—remains as powerful as ever.
