Maria Sharapova is a 5-time grand-slam winner and entrepreneur. Sharapova shares her review of In Praise Of Shadows (Leete's Island Books, 1977), by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, for our ongoing series of book reviews by leaders from the worlds of business, academia, entertainment and politics. See more reviews from leaders here.

Throughout my tennis career, I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to explore incredible places all around the world. I developed a passion for travel and exploration from a young age, but I particularly fell in love with the culture and artistry of Japan.

I am fascinated by Japanese architects and am constantly inspired by their work - their use of space, natural light, and simplicity-all architectural qualities that I used when designing my own home. I’ve become obsessed with studying Japanese design and architecture, and Jun'ichirō Tanizaki’s ability to articulate traditional Japanese aesthetics, in contrast with modern change, is beautifully represented in this book. I especially enjoyed his explanation of broader cultural juxtapositions—for example, using the contrasts between light and darkness to compare Western and Asian cultures.

Throughout my life, I’ve always prioritized balance and exploring passions beyond tennis like design, art, and architecture. Each has allowed me to spend time away from my sport as a sort of “escape” to recover and relax mentally and physically. Whether it’s reading, going for a walk, or discovering a new hobby, we all need to be able to take time for ourselves and escape for a bit, now more than ever, and this book provides just that.