Maria Sharapova’s professional tennis career has come to an end. The 32-year-old Russian native and five-time Grand Slam champion announced her retirement on Wednesday in an essay she wrote for Vanity Fair.
How do you leave behind the only life you’ve ever known? How do you walk away from the courts you’ve trained on since you were a little girl, the game that you love—one which brought you untold tears and unspeakable joys—a sport where you found a family, along with fans who rallied behind you for more than 28 years?
I’m new to this, so please forgive me.