Maria Sharapova follows Genie Bouchard to Pickleball and confirms match with Wimbledon legends for $
Maria Sharapova looks set to make her return to the court next year - but without a tennis racket.
The five-time Grand Slam champion, who won Wimbledon when she was just 17, announced her retirement from tennis in 2020, doing so with 36 singles career titles to her name.
Sharapova is a former world no.1 and is known as one of the most iconic female tennis stars.
Her quality on the court was clear to see throughout her career but it looks as though she's ready to branch out to a different sport.
In a video on social media, Sharapova announced to he millions of followers that she will compete in a pickleball match, a downsized version of tennis played with paddles.
She will be starring alongside fellow former Wimbledon champion John McEnroe at Pickleball Slam 2, against the iconic Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.
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"I'm playing pickleball," Sharapova announced in her video.
"And not just any pickleball, I am playing with John McEnroe against Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi.
"February 4, in Miami, at the Hard Rock [Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida], it's the Pickleball Slam 2."
It seems as though she's up for the challenge as she added: "Dare I say I'm getting a little competitive, and slightly nervous and anxious?
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"But don't mind me, I can't wait to see you there, tune in, watch us, support us. Let's go team... what's our name?"
McEnroe then made his appearance on camera and donned a hat that read: "Team Mac. The Mac Attack is back for Pickleball Slam 2."
A lot is at stake for the former tennis stars, with a $1million purse to be awarded to the champions.
McEnroe will be hoping Sharapova can add the winning spark as he fell to defeat in this year's edition alongside Michael Chang, with Agassi and Andy Roddick emerging victorious.
Elsewhere, former Wimbledon finalist Genie Bouchard announced she has joined the sport, which has seen Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and LeBron James among the many to invest in the game.
Maria Sharapova will play a Pickleball tournament with John McEnroe against Steffi Graf & Andre Agassi:
“Dare I say I’m getting a little competitive. Slightly nervous & anxious.” 😂
pic.twitter.com/yowLi6T1ax
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