MARIA SHARAPOVA may have hung up her racket today, but at least she’s got the perfect retirement home.
The Russian tennis legend called time on her career at the age of 32 after winning five Grand Slams.
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In an exclusive 1,148-word essay for Vogue and Vanity Fair, she wrote poignantly: “Sport gave me a life. I’ll miss it every day.”
And that life includes this vast mansion she owns in LA
It took three years to plan and build the giant property which looks out onto panoramic views of Malibu and Palos Verdes.
From the tranquil pool in the back garden to the open-plan kitchen space, Sharapova was involved in every detail.
“I was obsessed with the process of making this home,” the former world No1 told Architectural Digest.
“I’d jump off a plane from a tournament and go straight to the work site or to the architect’s office or to a kitchen manufacturer.”
‘OBSESSED’
“This was my project, and I wasn’t going to delegate any part of it.”
Sharapova retires a shadow of the player she was since returning from her drugs ban for meldonium in April 2017.
However, she can leave that all behind with this stunning home.
Step inside the grounds and the theme is immediately apparent with a Japanese pine and fountain in front of a three-storey glass entrance.
Light floods into a vast hall with huge concrete blocks climbing up the side of the room.
Sharapova, an art fanatic whose previous home was filled with colour and paintings, wanted her new pad to be minimalist.
The giant concrete wall, she says, acts as a piece of art while a single work by American artist Joe Goode hangs in the hallway.
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It is joined in the room by a French chair from the 1960s and a Japanese door which acts as a table top, all of which was chosen by the 2004 Wimbledon champ.
“I was inspired by Japanese architecture and minimalist aesthetics,” Sharapova, who is reportedly worth £155million, said.
“I didn’t grow up with lots of stuff around. For me, uncluttered means healthy. If you don’t use something, you don’t need it.”
“I’ve traveled all over the world and enjoyed lots of incredible spaces. But my home is my absolute favourite. I think that’s the way it should be.”
CHANGING LANES
But there’s one surprising feature hidden downstairs in the basement of Sharapova’s digs.
A walk down the steep staircase, and you’ll discover another kitchen area with a professional-sized bowling alley – complete with two lanes.
“It is the most surprising aspect of this home. I occasionally come down with my friends,” Sharapova said.
Sharapova designed the property with a focus on togetherness.
Giant doors from her open-plan kitchen slide across to join up with the Japanese-style pool and barbecue area.
There are huge daybeds on the grass area, which is purposely placed on the other side of the crystal-clear pool.
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A balcony on the second floor provides panoramic views across Los Angeles with Catalina Island seen in the distance.
Once the sun has set, Sharapova heads pool-side with a spacious sitting area on her patio which is heated by a giant fireplace.
It is a home fit for a retired champion.
