Top-ranked women’s doubles pair, Aryna Sabalenka and Elise Mertens are calling it quits. At the 2021 Australian open, Sabalenka and Mertens won their second doubles grand slam together. But Sabalenka plans to focus more on singles and reduce her doubles workload.

It’s her decision.  I really respect that. Doubles takes some energy away, that’s true. On the other hand, for me, I just like to play matches.  If she still likes to play doubles, I’m here!

-Elise Mertens

Doubles teams typically commit to playing together in December for the next year. It’s surprising that Sabalenka decided to leave Mertens hanging in the middle of the season. 

Sabalenka and Mertens are known for their signature jump in the air with their winning trophy. The pair may still team together for doubles even as Sabalenka prioritizes her singles.

Ever since retiring from tennis in 2020, Maria Sharapova has kept herself busy with her business ventures. Her latest business foray is furniture design – Sharapova has partnered with Vancouver-based Rove Concepts for her first collection.

The collection includes a mix of multifunctional furniture – a deep sofa, an upholstered bench, fancy cocktail and side tables, a lamp, and a monochromatic rug.

In 2020, Sharapova joined tech wellness company Therabody as an investor and strategic advisor. Her other businesses include Sugarpova, a premium candy business, and Sugargoop, a healthcare line. Sharapova also is the chief athletic officer of Skills, an online education platform focused on sports.