Maria Sharapova might have opted for shorts to wear in this year’s Wimbledon,
but her fans on court today were unlikely to have been disappointed with her outfit.
Despite saying she was opting for ‘menswear’ to play in, the Russian wowed the crowds with a translucent shirt which pushed the competition’s dress code to the limit.
Sharapova, seeded third in the tournament, appeared to have taken her inspiration from a dress shirt for the top which had a single panel of thicker material at the front.
Other than her sports bra, the rest of her top half was barely concealed beneath a thin white mesh as she fought her first match on Court One against Stephanie Foretz.
Her nod to fashion took up the baton started by Roger’s cardie and Serena Williams’ eye-catching mac yesterday.
Despite the clement weather, the 26-year-old American insisted on wearing a raincoat as she warmed up for her Court 1 match against Estonian Kaia Kanepi.
Whether it proved a help or a hindrance is debatable – Miss Williams made relatively heavy weather of beating her unfancied opponent 7-5, 6-3.
The press conference that followed was dominated by questions about the coat. ‘It’s definitely not athletic attire,’ she agreed.
‘But it’s ladylike and I’m very ladylike. It goes perfect with my personality and everything else.
‘It’s definitely kind of retro inspired; buckles on the wrist, the waistband tie. You can tie it or button it.
‘I don’t think it’s going to keep the rain away but we can always hope.’
Tennis ace Maria Sharapova looks unrecognisable since ditching her tennis career, to become a businesswoman, mum, and mentoring women entrepreneurs and sports stars.
According to Forbes when the 36-year-old retired from tennis in 2020, her $39 million (£31 million) in prize money was third on the WTA Tour all-time list; she made over $300 million more (£237 million, pre-tax) off the court.
Since her retirement from the sport that brought her worldwide attention, the 6ft 2in beauty has made significant inroads into increasing her fortune, as well as switching her hair colour, which has transformed her appearance.