ESPN’s Chris McKendry has reported that Maria Sharapova’s major announcement is likely not retirement. Yesterday, the five-time Grand Slam champion announced on Sunday that she was having a “major announcement” which would be live on her website and will also be shown on the Tennis Channel at 12 PM PST/3 PM EST.

McKendry Seeming Confident That It Is Not Retirement

On ESPN, McKendry was on Sportscenter with Jay Crawford. The two were discussing the possibility that the Russian was set to retire because of the timing of the major announcement. When talking to Crawford, McKendry said, “It may not be a retirement announcement at all. We won't be having 2 retirements today.” Crawford then replied, “Nope. Doesn’t look like it.” The first retirement they are talking about is about Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning.

The two-time Super Bowl champion will ride off into the sunset, helping the Denver Broncos win Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers. Yesterday, Manning confirmed that he was going to retire, first reported by ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Maria Sharapova of Russia looks on in her quarterfinal match against Serena Williams of the United States during day nine of the 2016 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
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What Could The Major Announcement Be

With McKendry, who is part of the ESPN Tennis team, reporting that the announcement is not retirement, there are still plenty of possibilities left with what the announcement could be. The most likely possibilities of the announcement could be a hiatus from the game or surgery to help her deal with the forearm issues she’s been having. Other possibilities could be a major endorsement deal, a major update on her candy brand Sugarpova, or pregnancy.

The tennis world awaits until 3 PM EST to hear the Russian’s major announcement.

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About the author
Noel John Alberto
Filipino-American sports journalist from Toms River, NJ. UMBC Graduate and aspiring physical therapist. Tennis editor and multi-sport coordinator for VAVEL USA. Writer for Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Serie A sections of VAVEL UK. Sports aficionado. Host of the On The Line tennis podcast.