After nearly two decades on the professional tennis circuit, Maria has made a remarkable comeback this summer at Wimbledon—balancing the demands of elite sport with life as a working mother to her two young daughters. It’s been an inspiring journey for Maria, who’s captured the attention of fans worldwide and climbed further in a Grand Slam than she ever has before. Her progress hasn’t gone unnoticed: Maria currently boasts 13.6K followers on Twitter and 43.1K on Instagram, where her Wimbledon run has been chronicled almost daily by supporters and media alike.
Long before this year’s spotlight at Wimbledon, Maria had already built a solid career. The last time she came close to such high-profile success was back in 2017, when she reached a career-high singles ranking as the 46th best player in the world. That milestone laid important groundwork for the resilience and determination Maria continues to show today. Family has always played a big role in her life and career—her father, Heinrich Malek, was a Polish international handball player, instilling in her an early appreciation for athleticism and discipline. And now, Maria’s journey is closely intertwined with her husband, Charles-Edouard Maria, a former French tennis player who not only shares her passion for the game but also serves as her coach. The couple tied the knot in 2013, and their partnership—both personal and professional—has clearly become a cornerstone of Maria’s enduring presence in the sport. Through every match, every serve, and every challenge, Maria continues to prove that perseverance, support, and timing can align in powerful ways.
Maria decided to take a sabbatical back in 2013, stepping away for a bit to welcome her first child—now a lively 8-year-old. And then, just last year, Maria expanded her family again, giving birth to her second daughter a little over twelve months ago. Interestingly, Maria’s Wimbledon semifinal opponent, Ons Jabeur, isn’t just a familiar face on the court; she’s also someone Maria sees regularly in their shared hometown of Palm Beach, Florida. In fact, Maria and Ons have become good friends, often enjoying casual get-togethers, including neighborhood barbecues. It’s kind of funny how life works out—rivals on the tennis court, yet neighbors and barbecue buddies off it. Maria definitely appreciates that balance between competition and community.