Maria Sharapova announces her pregnancy via social media, two years after retiring from tennis

Retired tennis star Maria Sharapova has announced her pregnancy on social media, two years after leaving the sport.

The Russian-born Sharapova, who is now living in Florida, took to Instagram on her 35th birthday, with a post featuring a picture of her standing on a beach.

The caption reads: «Precious beginnings! Eating birthday cake for two has always been my specialty.»

Sharapova — a former world number one who achieved the career Grand Slam, winning two French Opens, one Wimbledon title, one US Open crown and the 2008 Australian Open — retired in early 2020 after 20 years on tour.

At the time, she told Vanity Fair: «In giving my life to tennis, tennis gave me a life.»

«I'll miss it every day,» she added. «I'll miss the training and my daily routine: Waking up at dawn, lacing my left shoe before my right, and closing the court's gate before I hit my first ball of the day.

»I'll miss my team, my coaches. I'll miss the moments sitting with my father on the practice court bench."

The former Russian star earned $US38.77 million ($51.55 million) in prize money in her career, plus an estimated $US300 million in sponsorships and endorsements.

In retirement, Sharapova is involved in business — with her own candy brand and skincare company — and charity work.

In December 2020, Sharapova became engaged to her long-time boyfriend, British businessman Alexander Gilkes.