Maria Sharapova steered clear of yachts and big money purchases during her tennis career despite earning fortunes and instead launched her own candy company
Maria Sharapova today announced her retirement from tennis after more than 15-years-old in the sport.
She didn’t lack for cash throughout her career having hit the top as a teenager, but she wasn’t one to splash out.
The Russian dismantled Serena Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon final when she was just 17-years-old and would go on to add four more Grand Slams.
Her career earnings are north of £30m while she also made a pretty penny away from the court but the former World No 1 was content to keep her money for a rainy day.
Sharapova was wise to the short career tennis offers and knew she had to plan for the future which was why she launched her candy company called ‘Sugarpova’ in 2012.
Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004 (Image: Getty Images)
Sharapova won the French Open twice
And despite pocketing over £500,000 for winning Wimbledon around the same time she would’ve been eligible for a driver’s license the Russian’s first car was one given to her by a sponsor.
“When you’re young and you’re successful and you’re doing well and things are automatic for you in your life, you tend to think that that will continue for years on end,” Sharapova previously told CNBC .
“It’s important to also be realistic about what can happen tomorrow; about injuries; about someone leaving your company; about another company coming in and being a competitor of yours.
The Russian is not a fan of yachts
Sugarpova is Maria Sharapova’s own brand
“Money ultimately doesn’t bring you the happiness that people from the outside might see.
“Of course, it allows you to buy more materialistic products, but all of those things are very temporary.”
One material product Sharapova isn’t a fan of though is yachts – she admits to hating the narrative that comes with owning one which is why she’s always steered clear.
She added: “I’m not a fan of yachts. … The perception of people when they have money is that they spend it on a yacht during the summer. I’d rather be on land.”
