Maria Sharapova, a name etched in tennis history, continues to inspire the sport even after her retirement. As a five-time Grand Slam champion, Sharapova’s achievements remain benchmarks for aspiring players. Recently, she lauded rising star Jannik Sinner for his consecutive Australian Open victories and reflected on her own illustrious career.
Jannik Sinner’s Triumph and Sharapova’s Support
Jannik Sinner made headlines with his stellar performance at the 2025 Australian Open, securing his second consecutive title by defeating Alexander Zverev in straight sets (6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3). Sharapova, who won the Australian Open in 2008, showed her admiration for Sinner by commenting on his celebratory Instagram post with clapping and award emojis.
The 21-year-old Italian credited Sharapova as one of his inspirations, highlighting their past training sessions. “Practicing with Maria at 18 helped me grow faster as a player,” said Sinner in a previous interview.
Sharapova’s Record-Breaking Legacy
Maria Sharapova’s Records at the Australian Open:
- 2008 Champion: Defeated Ana Ivanovic without losing a single set throughout the tournament.
- Delivered three “bagels” (6-0 sets) and stunned World No. 1 Justine Henin in the quarter-final.
Recently, Iga Swiatek matched Sharapova’s record of being the youngest player to reach seven Grand Slam semi-finals since Sharapova achieved it at the 2006 US Open. Swiatek also broke the record for the fewest games lost en route to the Australian Open semi-finals, a feat Sharapova had held since 2013.
| Maria Sharapova | Iga Swiatek |
|---|---|
| Youngest to 7 Grand Slam Semis | Equaled this record in 2025 |
| Fewest games lost to semis (9) | Swiatek lost 14 in 2025 |
Sharapova’s Influence on the Game
Sharapova’s influence extends beyond her own career, as she has been a vocal supporter of upcoming talents like Jannik Sinner. Her career stats remain iconic:
- Grand Slam Titles: 5 (Wimbledon 2004, US Open 2006, Australian Open 2008, French Open 2012 & 2014).
- Career Prize Money: $38,777,962 (4th all-time in Women’s Tennis Association earnings).
- Retirement: Announced on February 26, 2020, after a remarkable 19-year career.
Sharapova has kept a close eye on the tennis world, supporting young players like Sinner and praising the likes of Swiatek. Her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of athletes. As tennis evolves, Sharapova’s records, influence, and gracious support for rising stars ensure her place as one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.
