Maria Sharapova ‘ready to achieve new things’ as she reflects on ‘this retirement thing’
Maria Sharapova admits it has been “somewhat of a transitional relief” that she is no longer putting her body through rigours of competitive tennis, saying she was ready to retire.
After nearly 19 years on the WTA Tour, the former world No 1 hung up her tennis racket for good at the end of February this year.
Sharapova turned professional in 2001 at the age of 14 and three years later she won Wimbledon. The Russian went on to win four more majors, including a Career Grand Slam, and spent a total of 21 weeks as world No 1.
However, she struggled with injury the past few years and eventually decided to pack it in.
During an Instagram Live chat with men’s world No 1 Novak Djokovic, Sharapova explained why she was “ready to let go”.
“To be honest, I was very stubborn in the past couple of years with my body. I struggled a lot with it because I kept thinking that it would a hurdle I could pass, and I could get better,” she said.
“It’s been somewhat of a transitional relief that I’m not putting my body through that anymore. There are some things that are still a part of me that I carry through in this transition, and some of it I’m ready to let go.
“My dad said to me, ‘Do you not want to go out on the private court and hit some balls?’ and I’m like, ‘No. No. No!’ Last night, I went in the basement and I went on the indoor stationary bike at 172 heart rate, and I’m like, ‘Why? Why am I doing this?’
“I was ready for the transition and I think I set up a really good base for myself. I’d say the transition is different than I thought it would be because of what we’re all facing in today’s environment.”
Sharapova is yet to confirm how she will spend her retirement years, but says she is “ready to achieve new things”.
“Part of this whole new ‘retirement thing,’ whatever that really is, is exploring, having the time, and dedicating the time and working on the future,” she said.
“A large part of me is ready to go and is ready to work and is ready to achieve new things, I also know that I’m kind of new and whatever I set up so far while I was playing, a lot of that will take time to develop.”
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @T365Official.
Latest
-
NewsJohanna Konta laments ‘unfortunate’ off day after French Open exit to Coco Gauff
Konta joined Dan Evans and Andy Murray in going out of the tournament on the opening day.
-
News‘I’ll need to have a long, hard think,’ admits Andy Murray after French Open disaster
The Briton won just six games in a chastening evening at Roland Garros.
-
Kevin PalmerMats Wilander questions why Andy Murray is still playing on what feels like his farewell tour
This increasingly feels like the Andy Murray farewell tour.
-
NewsTeenage sensation Coco Gauff dumps ninth seed Johanna Konta out of French Open
Coco Gauff starts with a bang at Roland Garros.
-
NewsMisery for Andy Murray as Stan Wawrinka catches him cold at the French Open
The Briton won only six games in a straight-sets defeat.
-
NewsDan Evans falls at first hurdle at Roland Garros as he goes down in five sets against Kei Nishikori
Evans still searching for his first win at Roland Garros.
-
NewsVictoria Azarenka eventually gets the win at chilly Roland Garros after refusing to be get ‘frozen’
Azarenka walked off court after three games.
-
NewsInauspicious start at Roland Garros as Victoria Azarenka refuses to play on due to chilly conditions
Victoria Azarenka branded conditions “a joke”.
-
NewsUpbeat Andy Murray: ‘I can still win tournaments but it won’t be easy’
Murray will take on Wawrinka in the first round of the French Open.
-
NewsNo emotional baggage for Novak Djokovic after US Open default as he eyes second Roland Garros title
Novak Djokovic won’t cut down on his aggression.