Sharapova’s ‘Retirement’ Ends… in a Video Game?

Maria Sharapova may have hung up her racquet years ago, but her comeback? It’s here—and it’s virtual. Fans were whipped into a nostalgic frenzy after Maria announced she’s “coming out of retirement”… to dominate TopSpin 2K25, the newly released tennis video game. And in true Sharapova fashion, she delivered the news with flair.

“I’m back,” she declared in a teaser video, adding that she’s ready to take on challengers across the globe—digitally, of course. “Only difference is, you don’t get to hear my grunt in this version… or maybe you do.” Cue collective meltdown.

Let’s be honest: Maria returning in any form was bound to cause a stir. But the fact that she’s entering living rooms via PlayStation and Xbox instead of Centre Court? Iconic. Gen Z fans are meeting her for the first time in pixelated glory, while longtime stans are now reliving their Sharapova obsession with turbocharged gameplay and customizable outfits.

Even more intriguing? She’s a fully playable character—no unlocking necessary. That’s right, while you grind your way to level up fictional rookies, Sharapova enters the game fully loaded, ready to smash winners and steal hearts just like the old days.

Fans are joking that she might actually win more matches now than half the WTA field—virtual or not. “Maria’s comeback is the only one I’ll accept this year,” one Twitter user wrote.

And let’s not overlook the genius behind the move. It’s peak brand synergy: digital nostalgia meets business savvy. Sharapova stays relevant, expands her fanbase, and gets paid—without ever picking up a real racquet.

Whether this virtual renaissance leads to more public appearances or just a rise in Twitch streams with Maria dominating tournaments as… herself, one thing’s clear: she knows how to make a comeback headline, even from behind a controller.