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Wimbledon icon Maria Sharapova is barely recognisable six years after retirement

Maria Sharapova was one of the biggest names in tennis during her playing days and the Russian has undergone a major transformation since hanging up her racket in 2020

[Maria Sharapova]

Maria Sharapova, 39, looks different to her playing days

A Wimbledon icon has left fans stunned after her striking transformation since walking away from the sport.

Maria Sharapova, 39, called time on her professional tennis career in 2020, and is now almost unrecognisable after swapping her striking blonde looks for a dyed brunette locks. Rising to stardom as a teenager after defeating Serena Williams at Wimbledon, Sharapova's win was almost as iconic as he hair.

However, since hanging up her racket, the sporting star has ditched her famous blonde hair for an elegant brunette style, leaving supporters astonished and describing her as "unrecognisable".

[Maria Sharapova of Russia poses with her trophy after she won against Serena Williams of USA in the ladies final match at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship on July 3, 2004 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in LondonSharapova won 6-1 6-4. ]

Maria Sharapova looks drastically different now(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

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And the new look stunned fans when she first debuted the look at an event in Italy. Sharapova, pictured alongside her British partner Alex Gilkes, commanded attention at the Hotel II Pellicano's 60th anniversary celebration in Monte Argentario, Italy.

During her playing days, Sharapova captured all four Grand Slam crowns, securing her maiden triumph at Wimbledon in 2004, before claiming the US Open in 2006.

The Russian sensation conquered the Australian Open in 2008 and dominated at the French Open in 2012 and 2014, while also reaching the final in 2013.

[Maria Sharapova poses in front of the Eiffel Tower with the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, following her victory in the women's singles final at the French Open in 2014]

Maria Sharapova was a tennis superstar(Image: GETTY )

[Maria Sharapova]

Maria Sharapova stunned fans with her striking new look

Beyond her Grand Slam success, Sharapova also claimed an Olympic silver medal at the London Games in 2012, losing out to Williams in the women's singles showpiece.

Sharapova not only became the third-youngest woman to triumph at Wimbledon but also carved her place in the history books as the first Russian to complete a career Grand Slam.

The tennis legend's accomplishments weren't confined to hammering balls on the court, as she also scorched off it by being declared "the hottest athlete in the world" by Maxim for a remarkable four consecutive years.

[Maria Sharapova]

Maria Sharapova retired back in 2020

[Alexander Gilkes and Maria Sharapova ]

Alexander Gilkes and Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon (Image: WireImage)

Beyond that, Forbes featured her on their elite roster as one of the top 100 most powerful celebrities worldwide from 2005 to 2011, and she even modelled for Sports Illustrated.

However, it wasn't all plain sailing; in 2016, Sharapova encountered turbulence when she received a 15-month ban (initially two years) following a failed drugs test for meldonium.

She acknowledged the violation but maintained it was an unintentional error, explaining she'd been following her physician's guidance and was unaware the substance was on WADA's banned list.

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Since retiring from tennis, Sharapova's embracing the high life completely, enjoying lavish getaways with her fianc Gilkes, who proposed in December 2020.

In July 2022, the pair welcomed their little treasure, Theodore, and Sharapova's Instagram now proudly displays 'Mama' in her profile.

The former court sensation - who's amassed a substantial 31 million in prize money - has mastered the business world as well, launching her confectionery brand Sugarpova, and investing in sunscreen leaders supergoop during her playing career.

Since retiring her racquet though, she's intensified her boardroom presence, supporting wellness giant therabody and securing a directorship at fashion house Moncler in 2022.

Sharapova also acts as an advisor to brands Naked Retail and Bright, while she holds shares in several other companies including UFC, Tonal, Public.com, Moonpay and Clio Snacks.

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