Maria Sharapova returns to boxing after three years

Former world number one Maria Sharapova has returned to boxing after a gap of three years. The 37-year-old was once regarded as one of the greatest Russian tennis player, at least in the women’s singles category.

Sharapova used boxing to gain more power during her playing days and often shared her activities on different platforms. In a post on her official account on the social media platform Instagram, the former world number announced that she has returned to boxing after a gap of three years. She also stated that she is not doing it anymore to gain power.

"Slowly getting back into boxing after 3 years. Not doing it for power anymore but incredible for cardio. 3-4 mins rounds. I still pivot my back leg like I'm hitting a forehead," she wrote in the caption of the post.

Sharapova retired from professional tennis in 2020, just at the age of 32. The move was a surprising one, as not many saw it coming. She finished her career with five major titles. Interestingly, despite winning only five Grand Slams, she managed to complete a Career Grand Slam, winning on all four surfaces. The only major event she won twice was the French Open, where she lifted the title in 2012 and then in 2014.

Her last major triumph was in 2014 at the Roland Garros, where she defeated the former world number one Simona Halep in the final with a score of 6-4, 6-7, 6-4. Sharapova also won a Silver medal at the London Olympics in 2012 after losing the final of the singles category against the former world number one America’s Serena Williams in straight sets with a score of 6-0, 6-1.