Maria Sharapova has been trying her skills at various things post-retirement. From fashion to pickleball, this former world number-one tennis star has shown she can do many things brilliantly apart from tennis. However, on her recent vacation, Sharapova indulged in special culinary training and surprised her fans with her cooking skills.

Sharapova previously spoke about her desire to learn and upgrade her cooking skills post-retirement. Her luxury candy brand Sugarpova is a testament to the good old days spent in the kitchen with her grandmother. However, what did the former WTA star cook up in the kitchen recently?

Maria Sharapova learns to prepare naan bread and drops a question for the fans

Sharapova is currently holidaying in Abu Dhabi and staying at Sal At Jumeirah Saadiyat Island. She celebrated her thirty-seventh birthday only four days back in Abu Dhabi. Through her official Instagram story, Sharapova shared glimpses of her cooking training in a famous culinary school, Ecole Ducasse. She was spotted segregating the flour dough into small shapes and then rolling the naan bread into a pear shape.  An experienced chef was also beside her during her culinary attempt. Sharing the images Sharapova wrote– “Taking things very seriously. Making Naan for the first time just like in my grandmother’s kitchen” 

The next story showed fans a glimpse of the final result, where Sharapova showcased fluffy naan bread glazed with butter. The pieces of bread were put in the oven to give it a crispy exterior. Sharing this clip, Sharapova again wrote– “Would you like yours soft or crispy?” 

The Russian tennis legend always stuck to a healthy diet during playing career. Now, it seems like, post-retirement, Sharapova is being more adventurous with her eating habits, incorporating a lot more cheat days in her routine.

Sharapova previously spoke about how her grandmother inspired her to test out her skills in the kitchen. She said- “I had a major sweet tooth from a very young age. I grew up in my grandmother’s kitchen and although I knew, you know, what it takes to be a pro athlete, I also enjoyed moments of indulgence like sitting back in the kitchen and baking and sweets.”

Despite making delicious food items that would tickle your taste buds, Sharapova always admired the benefits of a healthy diet.  Previously, she mentioned how it is important to take care of the body.

The former Russian tennis player had a conversation with Porsche in 2020 about the importance of a healthy diet. Sharapova said– “What you put into your body is always going to be extremely important. There are many lessons I have taken away from my career and a good, healthy diet is certainly one of them.  I’ve always been someone who takes good care of their body. But it doesn’t matter if you’re a professional athlete or you work in an office, what you put into your body is always going to be extremely important.”

This tennis legend also swears by two crucial habits which are avoiding gluten in her diet and drinking a warm cup of water with squeezed lemon in the morning. Sharapova’s healthy habits are possibly the key to her glowing skin and a clean bill of health. However, her recent culinary experience showcases that despite a strict diet, she is a typical foodie.