Maria Sharapova looks completely different now as tennis icon spotted at French Open

Maria Sharapova became a two-time French Open champion known for her elegant blonde look but was seen looking a lot different at Roland Garros this week

Two-time French Open champion Maria Sharapova made an appearance at Roland Garros this week. And the former queen of clay looks markedly different today compared to the glorious era when she last got her hands on a major title back in 2014.

A dozen years have elapsed since the Russian star turned back the clock to claim her second Grand Slam crown on French soil. A full decade after her first major triumph at Wimbledon in 2004, the career Grand Slam-winner sealed what would prove to be her fifth and final major honour at Roland Garros.

She returned courtside on Tuesday to watch Alexander Zverev’s quarter-final victory over Rafael Jodar, accompanied by fashion entrepreneur Kristina Romanova. The German cruised into the semi-finals with a straight-sets triumph over Jodar and will now face Jakub Mensik in the last four.

Throughout her career, Sharapova was celebrated as a tennis icon and was widely recognised for her striking blonde appearance. However, the retired star has since switched to brunette and presents a very different image today.

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She looked every inch the champion in a plunging navy blazer adorned with a red and white striped trim. Despite having stepped away from the sporting world some time ago, the 39-year-old remains a hugely respected figure and is frequently spotted at tennis’ biggest occasions.

Sharapova watched the action unfold at her former hunting ground and would have been delighted by what she witnessed. Like Sharapova, Zverev shares Russian roots through his parents, who both represented the Soviet Union in tennis.

Of all the Grand Slams, the French Open was the only one Sharapova succeeded in winning on two occasions. She even had the opportunity to secure the trophy at Roland Garros three years in a row but lost to Serena Williams in 2013, triumphing either side of that year.

Roland Garros was also the first Grand Slam in which Sharapova reached the last eight back in 2004 when she was still only 17. She made another five trips to the quarters or semis in Paris before she eventually claimed the title in her first final appearance eight years later.

She took the world by storm when she won Wimbledon at 17, becoming the third-youngest women’s singles champion in history.

These days Sharapova keeps herself busy as a brand ambassador and was seen promoting Stella Artois alongside football icon David Beckham this week. She also fronts the Pretty Tough podcast, which launched in April, and has already welcomed a string of high-profile guests.