She’s Back? Sharapova Teases Tennis Return with Cryptic Post and Racket Emoji

Maria Sharapova has done it again—sent the tennis world spiraling into a frenzy with one emoji and a suspiciously sporty Instagram post.

It all started with a seemingly innocent snapshot: Maria in sleek workout gear, holding a tennis racket with the caption “Just like old times 🎾👀.” That’s it. No explanation. No context. Just enough digital chaos fuel to send tennis Twitter into full conspiracy mode.

“IS SHE COMING BACK?!” screamed fans in all caps. “Sharapova vs. Swiatek in 2025?? Inject it into my veins!” cried another. Sports media outlets scrambled for confirmation, and even a few current pros liked the post with those cautious “I’m watching you” emoji eyes.

Of course, Maria being Maria, didn’t offer any clarification. She’s a master of the cryptic tease. Could she just be reminiscing? Or was this a strategic serve to test the waters of a potential return?

Some fans think it’s all part of a clever marketing plan for a new tennis line. Others suspect a cameo appearance in an exhibition match. But the dreamers among us? They’re dusting off their old “Maria 2020” shirts and preparing for a comeback tour like it’s the second coming of the Spice Girls.

Meanwhile, Sharapova remains deliciously silent, casually sipping matcha and watching the chaos unfold from a designer sofa somewhere in Beverly Hills.

Return or not, one thing’s clear: when Maria picks up a racket—even just for a photo—the whole tennis world pays attention.