Does a busy career rob people of life’s small joys? For Maria Sharapova, the answer is clear—nothing compares to time spent with her partner and young son. The former tennis star, who retired four years ago, continues to charm fans by showing her grounded side, reminding everyone why she remains so admired both on and off the court.
Even though Sharapova hung up her racket, she hasn’t slowed down. She is the driving force behind her luxury candy line, Sugarpova, which she founded in 2012 and still fully owns. Beyond her brand, she invests in companies like Public.com, Therabody, Tonal, and Moon Pay, sits on the board of Moncler, and maintains partnerships with Nike and Evian. Pickleball has also become her new sporting passion. In many ways, her schedule is just as packed as it was during her professional tennis days.
Still, everyone needs a breather. This Thanksgiving, Sharapova shared a short reel on Instagram from California, where she enjoyed colorful flower fields, a crystal-blue lake, and mountain views. Her caption read: “I forgot how peaceful this holiday is in the US. No emails. No Zooms. No kids’ gymnastics classes. No invoices,” followed by a laughing emoji. Her post perfectly captured the relief of escaping her demanding routine for some calm.
Sharapova’s life has also taken on a new rhythm since becoming a mother in 2022 to her son Theo. In interviews, she’s admitted that her biggest life choices now revolve around him. Reflecting on her new priorities, she explained that weekends, once dominated by tournament finals, are now reserved for Theo—something she treasures deeply.
Whether it’s a beach trip with her partner Alexander Gilkes and their son or a quiet holiday in nature, Sharapova finds true joy in life’s simpler moments. These escapes fuel her happiness and inspire her as she continues to balance motherhood, business, and her enduring role as one of tennis’s most beloved champions.