Maria Sharapova, the former world tennis champion, has always been known for her fierce competitive spirit, elegance, and determination. Since retiring from professional tennis in 2020, the five-time Grand Slam champion has embarked on a new chapter of her life, embracing both motherhood and entrepreneurship. Sharapova has frequently shared insights into her personal and professional evolution, and now, as a mother, she has made an intriguing statement: her baby son, Theodore, may one day take over her career.
In interviews and on social media, Sharapova has spoken candidly about the joys and challenges of motherhood, including how her life has transformed since Theodore’s birth in July 2022. From sleepless nights to the unbridled joy of seeing her baby’s first milestones, she has shared snapshots of her new reality. But beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of motherhood, Sharapova has shown herself to be the same visionary thinker that once led her to the top of the tennis world. It’s in this context that she made the bold claim about her son possibly following in her footsteps—or even surpassing her.
Sharapova has spent much of her life breaking barriers and setting new standards, both on and off the tennis court. During her career, she became one of the most marketable athletes in the world, signing lucrative deals with major brands like Nike and Porsche. She was not only known for her skill but also for her business acumen. After retiring from tennis, she focused on building her brand, launching her premium candy line, Sugarpova, and investing in various wellness and lifestyle companies.
The notion of her son potentially taking over her career has sparked conversation among her fans and the tennis community. Could Theodore, still an infant, grow up to inherit the empire Sharapova has meticulously built? If so, what path would that entail—on the tennis court, in business, or perhaps both?
While the idea may seem far-fetched to some, Sharapova’s comments hint at her belief in the importance of legacy. Like many successful athletes and entrepreneurs, she appears keen to pass on her knowledge, values, and work ethic to her child. And with Sharapova’s track record of success, it’s clear that Theodore will grow up in an environment where excellence is the standard.
As a tennis legend, it’s natural for Sharapova to wonder if her son will take to the court as she did. With her achievements in the sport, the expectations are high, but Sharapova has always maintained that she wouldn’t push her child into tennis unless it was his own passion. She often reflects on how her father, Yuri Sharapova, played a critical role in her journey, but it was her own love for tennis that fueled her rise to fame. The same principle, it seems, applies to Theodore.
Sharapova’s statement about her son taking over her career may not exclusively refer to tennis, but it certainly raises the possibility that Theodore could one day compete on the same courts where his mother achieved greatness. With the right guidance and his mother’s competitive genes, he could very well become a formidable tennis player. The world has seen this scenario play out before, with second-generation athletes like Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf’s children being raised in tennis royalty. Whether Theodore follows the same path remains to be seen, but the door is certainly open.
Perhaps what Sharapova meant by “taking over her career” is less about tennis and more about the empire she has built post-retirement. Her business ventures, particularly Sugarpova, have thrived under her leadership. As a savvy businesswoman, she has successfully transitioned from being an athlete to becoming a notable figure in the entrepreneurial world. Theodore could one day inherit the reins of his mother’s businesses, taking her brand to new heights.
Sharapova’s business ventures are far-reaching, and she’s become a prominent investor in wellness, technology, and lifestyle companies. One of her most notable investments has been in the fertility industry, particularly through her involvement with Cofertility, a company focused on making egg freezing and family planning more accessible for women. This aligns with Sharapova’s belief in empowering individuals, particularly women, to take control of their future. As she raises her son, she may very well instill in him the values that have driven her success: resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
If Theodore does inherit his mother’s business empire, he’ll not only have the benefit of her name and connections but also her business acumen, honed through years of navigating both the sports and corporate worlds. Sharapova’s ability to transition so seamlessly between these arenas serves as an inspiring model for how athletes can extend their influence far beyond their playing days.
As much as Sharapova has thrived in her post-tennis life, she often emphasizes the importance of balance, especially now as a mother. Her statement about Theodore taking over her career isn’t just about success—it’s about maintaining balance and fulfillment in life. For Sharapova, having a career has always been deeply intertwined with her sense of purpose, but she also understands that family and personal well-being are crucial components of a meaningful life.
Raising her son in a world where expectations might be high, Sharapova has acknowledged the importance of letting Theodore carve his own path, whatever that might be. Whether he becomes a tennis player, a business leader, or something entirely different, Sharapova has made it clear that she will support his journey.
Maria Sharapova’s bold declaration that her son will one day take over her career is both exciting and symbolic of her vision for the future. It highlights not only her pride in what she has accomplished but also her hope that Theodore will inherit the values and principles that have guided her life and career.
Theodore’s future remains a mystery, but one thing is certain: he is growing up with a remarkable role model in his mother. Whether he follows in her footsteps on the tennis court or takes the reins of her business empire, the world will be watching to see how Maria Sharapova’s legacy continues through the next generation.
As Sharapova herself has often said, life is full of surprises, and the path ahead is never predictable. But with Theodore by her side, she seems more than ready to embrace whatever comes next, knowing that the future of her legacy is in good hands.
