Maria Sharapova’s return to the tennis court after more than two years came with an unexpected shock: the cost of restringing her racket. The five-time Grand Slam champion, who hung up her racket following an early exit at the 2020 Australian Open, recently returned to the sport she dominated for over a decade.
A lighthearted first practice quickly turned into a moment of disbelief when she discovered she would have to pay $78 just to string her racket.
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Sharapova had not stepped on the court in over two years, making this return highly anticipated among her fans. Since her retirement, she has remained in the public eye through her business ventures, endorsements, and recent induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, on August 23, 2025. The brief social media update about her return offered a rare glimpse into her off-court life.
Sharing the experience on social media, Sharapova posted a clip from her first practice in over two years, highlighting the unexpected costs of even routine tennis upkeep. “First practice in 2+ years. Couldn’t find my tennis shoes. Cost $78 to string the racket. Is that a new normal?” she wrote.
Despite the initial shock, Sharapova embraced the experience, describing the session as peaceful and focused. “The tennis shop told me I must be really good if my string tension is 61-59. I’ll take the compliment. Best 30 mins of my day. No phone. No distractions. Just you and the ball,” she added.
TennisPova 🎾 #MariaSharapova [IG stories] pic.twitter.com/CGu1qyNT1Y
— Sharapova News (@NewsSharapova) October 5, 2025
In August this year, Sharapova opened up about balancing motherhood and work, saying her childhood ambitions still drive her. The former tennis star, mother to three-year-old Theodore, discussed her workaholic mindset on Andy Roddick’s podcast, ‘Served.’
“If I’m gonna leave my baby, I mean, he’s not a baby anymore, but if I’m gonna leave my home and my family, it better be worth it. I better be so excited about where I’m going and who I’m working with and what I’m building,” Sharapova said.
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“And that’s so much more important than, and I realize how unique that position is, you know, at 38 years old. I really, I recognize it and I’m so grateful for it, but I’m also a workaholic. I don’t know any other way. Like, I’ve been ambitious since I was a very young girl,” she added.
Following her retirement, Sharapova embarked on a new chapter. In December 2020, she got engaged to British businessman Alexander Gilkes and welcomed their son in 2022.
Great to have Maria Sharapova even “thinking” about the tennis court again.