Maria Sharapova looks unrecognizable on return to Wimbledon in Royal box

Tennis icon Maria Sharapova graced Wimbledon's Royal box on Wednesday, though her new look may have left some fans doing a double-take at the All England Club.

Rocketing to stardom back in 2004, Sharapova clinched the women's singles title at just 17 by defeating Lindsey Davenport. But her triumphs didn't stop there; she went on to secure two French Open titles, and one each at the Australian and US Opens, not to mention an Olympic gold medal in London 2012.

This stellar record places her among the elite group of only 10 women to achieve the coveted career Grand Slam.

Now at 37, Sharapova has hung up her racket and is romantically linked with 44-year-old British entrepreneur Alexander Gilkes. The pair, parents to their son Theodore, were spotted in the prestigious Royal box on Centre Court this Wednesday.

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Once known for her signature bright blonde locks, Sharapova has since switched to brunette. She was seen donning chic dark sunglasses despite the typically overcast British skies, as she cheered on fellow Russian Daniil Medvedev against Alexandre Muller.

Sharapova and her beau almost hit a fashion fault line before Wimbledon, as she playfully teased his choices to her 5 million Instagram followers. Sharing a snap of Gilkes' outfit, she quipped: "Um, is this gonna be allowed in the club? ".

Describing his footwear, Gilkes said it was a "modern" take on "classic casual". Sharapova humorously added: "They might ask you to go get a new pair of shoes. Can't wait for a London membership club's take on 'Classic Casual'."

Sharapova, who bid farewell to the tennis world in February 2020, amassed a fortune with $38million (£30m) in prize money throughout her illustrious career. In a heartfelt article for Vanity Fair magazine, she penned: "How do you leave behind the only life you've ever known?

"How do you walk away from the courts you've trained on since you were a little girl, the game that you love one which brought you untold tears and unspeakable joys a sport where you found a family, along with fans who rallied behind you for more than 28 years? I'm new to this, so please forgive me. Tennis I'm saying goodbye."

Finding her footing in the business sector, Sharapova has now joined the board of directors of style label Moncler and started other ventures such as serving as an advisor to brands like Naked Retail and Bright.

Now residing in Florida, Sharapova is far from hard-up, having made an impressive £230m from sponsorships and endorsements throughout her career.