Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has announced that she is retiring from the sport, aged 32.

The five-time Grand Slam champion shared the news in an article for American magazine Vanity Fair.

She said: "How do you leave behind the only life you’ve ever known? 

"How do you walk away from the courts you’ve trained on since you were a little girl, the game that you love—one which brought you untold tears and unspeakable joys—a sport where you found a family, along with fans who rallied behind you for more than 28 years? 

"I’m new to this, so please forgive me. Tennis—I’m saying goodbye."

The Russian star exploded into the public eye when she claimed her first Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon in 2004, beating the legendary Serena Williams in the final.

She is one of only ten women to have achieved the career Grand Slam but says she is now going to focus on other things outside the sport.

"Looking back now, I realize that tennis has been my mountain. 

"My path has been filled with valleys and detours, but the views from its peak were incredible. After 28 years and five Grand Slam titles, though, I’m ready to scale another mountain—to compete on a different type of terrain."

She continued: "In the meantime, there are a few simple things I’m really looking forward to: a sense of stillness with my family, lingering over a morning cup of coffee, unexpected weekend getaways. 

"Workouts of my choice (hello, dance class!)."