Among the many tennis champion-turned-entrepreneur’s favourite shows are the Nike attire she wore, in addition to the branded tennis cans. “I really like constructing manufacturers, so seeing the visible and inventive elements like that gave me lots of concepts,” she mentioned.

However probably the most epic a part of her ITHF induction weekend got here within the type of a shock she stored for months: asking her on-court rival of practically 15 years, none apart from Serena Williams, to introduce her.

“That was a full-circle second,” Sharapova admits of the shock. “It began once I was a younger lady watching her play with Venus, and simply being so impressed by their power and the way wonderful they have been at their craft. Then going through Serena for therefore a few years and now having her accepting and inducting me into the Corridor of Fame.” 

Their well-known rivalry had began cooling behind the scenes, satirically via the course of a number of Met Galas, as their conversations grew longer with out the stress of the scoreboard looming over them. Quickly they found that not solely have been they extra alike than they thought, however that maybe they might really be buddies, a sentiment on show via their fun-loving jabs at each other throughout the ceremony. Regardless of Williams’ tight schedule, Sharapova mentioned her new pal even stayed for the celebration after the induction.  

Well-known for her laser-focused grit and grind—whether or not it was enjoying at Wimbledon (her favourite Grand Slam), the Stuttgart Open (her different favourite event), or New York (her favourite metropolis to play in)—Sharapova did not have a lot time to journey for enjoyable till extra lately. “I solely began taking holidays once I was like 20 years previous, already within the midst of my profession,” she mentioned, explaining that with the tennis tour schedule, it was at all times only one week in November after the ultimate event of the season in Asia. However she took benefit of the placement, taking quite a few journeys to Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan, with the latter being her favourite.   

She lately revisited Japan, staying in any respect three Aman Resorts—Aman Tokyo, Aman Kyoto, and Amanemu in Ise-Shima—as a part of her position because the model’s international wellness ambassador. Whereas having fun with the distinctive experiences at every, she was particularly taken by the Tokyo property, calling it “simply important, like one other stage of service,” additionally loving its Japanese breakfast and conventional baths.

“In Kyoto, I might get up actually early, jetlagged, and simply be on this out of doors scorching spring alone as the sunshine was coming via,” she mentioned, including, “I would like that proper now!”

She was already a fan of Aman resorts from her years on the highway, so this partnership is one other full-circle second. “I might take my mother and my buddies to a unique Aman each season throughout my restricted day without work. To now align all the issues that I utilized into my profession into my partnership with Aman has been actually particular.”

One other side she’s taken into her post-court life is embracing the outside. Whereas she admitted that jet lag “continues to be a tough one to beat,” her go-to transfer was to bond with nature. “I simply like to run or stroll, and if I can do it barefoot on grass, that’s useful,” Sharapova mentioned. “I used to do this as a part of my restoration once I performed, so there are just a few classes I’ve taken into retirement.”

She additionally hopes to proceed embracing quiet journey, particularly on highway journeys, mentioning that she savors “being accountable for your vacation spot, if you wish to pivot and go some other place” and liking “the liberty of with the ability to cease off and take pictures.” One in every of her favourite highway journeys is up the California shoreline, alongside the “most lovely cliffs, whether or not it’s Huge Sur or all the best way to Napa,” particularly having fun with the farm-to-table meals tradition that “is even higher now than it was years in the past.” However then she pauses and admits, “I am saying it as if I do that fairly often. I actually do not. However I’ve executed it, and I actually find it irresistible.” 

In any case, as of late, Sharapova’s high precedence is her son, three-year-old Theodore. Although he typically stays with household when she travels for work, the toddler undoubtedly has had his passport stamped, with one of the vital memorable household holidays being a journey to Greece this previous summer time. “He is now at that age the place he is swimming a bit of bit extra on his personal,” she mentioned. “Seeing that progress, you grow to be a proud mother, like, ‘Oh, you do not want floats, you are able to do it by yourself.’”

Whereas the lengthy journeys may be difficult with the toddler, she has settled into this new journey fashion. “You simply should lean into figuring out it isn’t going to be as easy as you want, and do not forget that you will be completely satisfied on the opposite facet of it,” the professional mentioned.

However Sharapova revels within the alternative to point out him the world. “Journey has actually impacted me in so many optimistic methods,” she mentioned of eager to instill that very same spirit in her son. “Culturally, you lean into issues which are unfamiliar, whether or not it is a language barrier or meals tradition,” Sharapova mentioned. “It is a actually wholesome distraction. It will get you out of your every day routine. It additionally challenges your ideas, since you often have a sure lifestyle, and then you definately go to a rustic or state and so they prepare dinner in another way, or they store for his or her groceries in another way, or their artwork is completely different. The thought of exploring and opening your thoughts to different locations is fascinating.”