Maria Sharapova: The Tennis Star.

When you think of Maria Sharapova, a few things come to mind: her powerful tennis game, her iconic Wimbledon win at 17, and, of course, her towering height. Standing at 6’2”, Sharapova’s physical presence was as much a part of her legacy as her Grand Slam titles. But her story isn’t just about sports—it’s about resilience, ambition, and how she used her platform to inspire millions. As legendary activist and tennis pioneer Billie Jean King recently received a Hollywood star for her impact on and off the court, it’s a perfect time to celebrate how Sharapova, too, carved her own path as a role model. Let’s dive into her journey, her height (and how it stacks up to other famous figures like Magic Johnson and Barron Trump), and her life after tennis.  

Maria Sharapova  Height: A Secret Weapon in Tennis

Maria Sharapova’s height wasn’t just a fun fact—it was a game-changer. At 6’2”, she towered over many opponents, using her long reach and powerful serve to dominate the court. For comparison:  

- Magic Johnson: The NBA legend stands at 6’9”, making him 7 inches taller than Sharapova.  

- Barron Trump: The former president’s son is reportedly 6’7”, still 5 inches taller.  

- Daniel Barlow: A lesser-known name in the public eye, but if we’re talking average heights (say, around 5’10”), Sharapova easily surpasses him by 6 inches.  


In tennis, height can be a huge advantage. Taller players often have stronger serves and can cover the net more effectively. Sharapova’s serve regularly clocked over 110 mph, thanks to her height and athletic build. But it wasn’t just about power—her agility and footwork defied stereotypes about taller athletes being slower. She moved like a storm across the court, combining grace with raw strength.  

From Russia with Grit: Sharapova’s Rise to Stardom

Maria Sharapova’s story reads like a movie script. Born in Siberia, she moved to Florida at just 7 years old to train at Nick Bollettieri’s tennis academy (the same place that shaped legends like Andre Agassi). With only $700 to her name and zero English skills, she faced grueling days of practice and cultural hurdles. But by 17, she stunned the world by defeating Serena Williams at Wimbledon in 2004, becoming the third-youngest player to win the title.  


Over her career, she racked up:  

- 5 Grand Slam titles (Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open, and the French Open twice).  

- 36 weeks ranked as World No. 1.  

- An Olympic silver medal in 2012.  


Her rivalry with Serena Williams became legendary, but Sharapova’s mental toughness set her apart. She thrived under pressure, often saving match points with ice-cool precision.  

Life After Tennis: Building a Business Empire

In 2020, Sharapova retired, but she didn’t slow down. Like Billie Jean King—who used her fame to fight for gender equality—Sharapova turned her focus to entrepreneurship. She launched Sugarpova, a premium candy brand, in 2012. What started as a playful side project grew into a global business, selling gummies, chocolates, and even protein snacks.  


“I wanted to create something fun, something that made people smile,” she said in an interview. But behind the sweetness was sharp business savvy. She studied at Harvard Business School, networked with industry leaders, and even partnered with Nike and Porsche long after hanging up her racket.  


Her philanthropic work also shines. She’s donated millions to disaster relief efforts, including rebuilding schools after the 2011 Japanese tsunami, and supports UNICEF’s education programs.  

Sharapova vs. Billie Jean King: Two Eras, One Legacy

Billie Jean King, honored with a Hollywood star in 2024, changed tennis forever. She fought for equal pay, founded the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), and famously beat Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes.” Sharapova’s path was different, but both women used their influence to break barriers.  

Where They Align

Advocating for Women: King’s activism paved the way for Sharapova’s generation to earn millions in prize money. Sharapova, in turn, became one of the highest-paid female athletes thanks to endorsements.  

- Longevity: Both stayed relevant long after their prime. King coached and commentated; Sharapova built brands.  

Where They Differ

Style: King was a trailblazer for social change; Sharapova focused on business and personal branding.  

- Challenges: Sharapova faced a 15-month doping suspension in 2016 (she claimed it was due to a medication error), which tested her reputation but ultimately highlighted her resilience.  

How Maria Sharapova’s Height Turned Heads (Literally)

Back to that 6’2” frame—it wasn’t just useful on the court. Sharapova’s statuesque figure made her a fashion icon. She walked runways for brands like Cole Haan and appeared in ads for TAG Heuer and Evian. Designers loved her blend of athleticism and elegance.  


But her height also sparked funny moments. During a 2013 charity event, she stood side-by-side with 6’9” Magic Johnson. Photos of the pair went viral, with fans joking they looked like “a power duo from a superhero movie.” Even Barron Trump, who towers at 6’7”, would’ve had to look down to meet her eyes—a rare sight!  

What’s Next for Maria Sharapova?

Today, Sharapova balances motherhood (she welcomed her first child in 2022) with business ventures. She’s also dipped into broadcasting, analyzing matches for the BBC and Tennis Channel. Her Instagram feeds show glimpses of her life—traveling, mentoring young athletes, and enjoying downtime with family.  


When asked about returning to tennis, she laughs. “I’ll stick to coaching my friends’ kids,” she told Vogue. But her competitive fire isn’t gone. Whether it’s launching a new Sugarpova flavor or investing in tech startups, Sharapova still plays to win

Why Maria Sharapova Still Matters

Maria Sharapova’s journey teaches us that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about adapting. She transitioned from a teen phenom to a business leader without losing her identity. Like Billie Jean King, she proved athletes can be more than just players; they can be pioneers, entrepreneurs, and inspirations.  


For young girls, Sharapova’s story is a reminder: Stand tall, literally and figuratively. Use your strengths, own your mistakes, and keep swinging for the fences.  

Final Thoughts

Maria Sharapova’s height made her a standout on the tennis court, but it’s her drive and vision that keep her in the spotlight. From Grand Slam glory to boardroom battles, she’s redefined what it means to be a champion. And as Billie Jean King’s Hollywood star reminds us, the greatest athletes aren’t just remembered for their wins—they’re celebrated for how they lifted others up too. Sharapova, with her candy empire and relentless spirit, is doing just that.  


So, the next time you see a tall athlete, think of Maria. Because sometimes, standing head and shoulders above the crowd isn’t just about height—it’s about rising to the occasion.