Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova
Maria Yuryevna Sharapova; born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player. A United States resident since 1994, Sharapova has competed on the WTA tour since 2001. She has been ranked world No. 1 in singles by the WTA on five separate occasions, for a total of 21 weeks. She is one of ten women, and the only Russian, to hold the career Grand Slam. She is also an Olympic medalist, having earned silver for Russia in women's singles...
NationalityRussian
ProfessionTennis Player
Date of Birth19 April 1987
CityNyagan, Russia
CountryRussian Federation
I've been playing against older and stronger competition my whole life. It has made me a better tennis player and able to play against this kind of level despite their strength and experience.
If I'm nervous, it means I had to work hard to get there, whether it's playing in a tournament or speaking at an event. So I try to stop and be proud of getting to live in that moment.
I'm just like every other girl who likes to shop, likes to look good, likes to spend time with friends.
After being on the court for six hours, being on TV is very glamorous and fun for me. But tennis is always going to be my priority. It's not going to be this thing when all of a sudden TV will get in the way of that.
I don't worry about what my opponent is doing.
I love yoga. I do yoga when I have time, which is not very often.
There are so many roads you can take that will lead you the wrong way, that nobody will hear your name.
I learned there's a big difference between juniors and the pros.
I don't get to do as much sightseeing as I would like to.
Since I'm constantly in the sun, I use sunscreen daily.
I have a very big sweet tooth and I love treating myself to something that I wouldn't necessarily eat during the tournament such as a nice-sized cake.
Sometimes I feel my arm is like a swan's neck - so weak.
Tennis has given me this wonderful life and I'm very grateful for it.
It's nice to be one of the most beautiful people.