Maria Sharapova, the five-time Grand Slam singles champion and former world No. 1, announced her retirement from professional tennis on Wednesday. The 32-year-old Russian made the announcement in an essay for Vanity Fair, in which she wrote that she was "saying goodbye to the only life I've ever known."

Sharapova burst onto the tennis scene as a teenager, winning the 2004 US Open at the age of 17. She went on to win four more Grand Slam singles titles, at the 2006 Australian Open, the 2008 Wimbledon Championships, the 2012 French Open, and the 2014 Australian Open. She also won the 2004 Olympic silver medal in singles.

Sharapova's career was also marked by controversy. In 2016, she was banned for 15 months for testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. She returned to the tour in 2017, but never quite regained her former dominance.

In her essay, Sharapova wrote that she was retiring because she no longer had the "physical strength" to compete at the highest level. She also said that she wanted to focus on other things in her life, such as her family and her business interests.

Sharapova's retirement is a major loss for the sport of tennis. She was one of the most popular and successful players of her generation, and her retirement leaves a void in the women's tour. However, she leaves behind a legacy of success and inspiration, and she will be remembered as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Here are some of the reactions to Sharapova's retirement:
  • "Maria was a true champion and inspiration to many," said WTA CEO Steve Simon. "She will be missed on the court, but I know she will continue to be a force in the world of tennis."
  • "Maria was one of the most dominant players of her generation," said former world No. 1 Serena Williams. "She was a fierce competitor and a great champion."
  • "Maria's retirement is a sad day for tennis," said former world No. 1 Roger Federer. "She was a great player and a great ambassador for the sport."

Sharapova's retirement is a significant moment in the history of tennis. She was one of the most popular and successful players of her generation, and her retirement leaves a void in the women's tour. However, she leaves behind a legacy of success and inspiration, and she will be remembered as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.