Could tennis legend Maria Sharapova make a shock return to Wimbledon?
Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova has eluded at making a return to Wimbledon, despite retiring in February 2020.
The Russian tennis star could return to Wimbledon on the 20th anniversary of her first and only Wimbledon victory in 2004 at the age of 17.
At Wimbledon in 2004, Sharapova beat world number one and defending champion Serena Williams, becoming the fourth-youngest woman to win a Grand Slam, Sportkeeda reports.
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The Russian last played at Wimbledon in 2019, and it wasn't a memorable one. Sharapova retired injured in her first-round contest against Pauline Parmentier.
On her Instagram, @Mariasharapova, the Grand Slam champion released a video with Wimbledon showing the moment she famously tried to ring her mum from Centre Court after beating Williams in 2004.
The video was just a teaser for what she later said on her Instagram reel, admitting she could return to Centre Court and do the same thing 20 years later.
According to Tennis 365, Sharapova wrote: "I'll find out if my cell reception has improved from Center Court this year."
Is Sharapova going to return to play, or is it to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her Wimbledon victory? Earlier this month, Wimbledon confirmed four legends of the sport would be honoured for their contribution to the tournament.
Wimbledon will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Chris Evert's first Wimbledon title and the 30th anniversary of Conchita Martinez's victory. The 1992 champion Andre Agassi and former finalist Ken Rosewall will get special receptions.
With no confirmation as to whether Sharapova will be recognised with the other four former players, could the 37-year-old shock the world and return to professional tennis?
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