Maria Sharapova has long proven that her strength goes far beyond the tennis court. A five-time Grand Slam champion, former world No. 1, and Olympic medalist,
she is now just as well known for her sharp mind and entrepreneurial spirit. These days, she is not only a tennis legend but also a successful businesswoman and the founder of her own candy brand, Sugarpova.
During a recent trip to Dubai for the opening of The Bay Health Club, Sharapova sat down with Bazaar Arabia and shared what truly makes her strong and what continues to drive her forward.
For Maria, the quality she’s most proud of is her resilience and her ability to adapt. ‘I’ve always been someone who doesn’t give up,’ she says. Growth and flexibility, being ready for whatever moment comes next, are things she values deeply.
That mindset helped her push through the hardest moments of her career and achieve some of her most iconic wins, including her unforgettable victory at Roland Garros. And she laughs, remembering how she once described herself on clay courts: ‘like a cow on ice.’
Success, in her eyes, has never been about fame or money. It’s about showing up every day and putting in the work. ‘If you do the right things daily and stay consistent, results will come,’ she says with confidence.
If she could give advice to her younger self, it would be this: see challenges as opportunities. Many of the obstacles she faced turned into lessons that later opened doors far beyond tennis.
Today, Sharapova finds inspiration in many areas, from business and design to wellness and media. She’s constantly learning, often from people who are true experts in their fields. “Every day, I learn something new,” she says.
Her personal mantra is simple but powerful: ‘one small step at a time.’ It perfectly reflects her philosophy that big change doesn’t require dramatic leaps. Consistency is enough.
One of the most meaningful projects of her life was writing her autobiography, co-written with Rich Cohen.
The idea came after reading Jerry Weintraub’s book When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead. She admits that without trusting the team who helped her tell her story, she might never have taken that step.
Her parents have always been her heroes. Her mother was her emotional anchor and guide, while her father instilled in her a deep respect for hard work, discipline, and self-belief.
If she could change one thing about herself, Maria says she would soften her stubbornness. While it fueled her success in sports, it also led to injuries and tough mistakes.
‘Toward the end of my career, I tried to return to my old level and be fully healthy again, but it just wasn’t possible,’ she reflects. ‘It’s important not only to push forward, but also to know when to let go.’
If she could ban one thing in the world, it would be plastic. Her biggest indulgence, on the other hand, is antique furniture and lamps. She loves wandering through markets, searching for unique pieces that give a home personality.
Her most valuable possessions aren’t about price, but sentiment. One example is a pair of Tiffany & Co. pearl earrings she bought with her mother after winning Wimbledon in 2004. She still owns them and even wore them at her Hall of Fame induction.
And if she had to choose just one brand forever, it would be Gabriela Hearst. For Maria, it perfectly reflects her personal style and values.
Quiet strength, steady growth, and intention. That’s the Sharapova way ✨