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
Ive 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.
I think for tennis players it would make our lives a lot easier.
Most of the top players are playing, aren't they?
Women's tennis players are getting as many sponsors and media coverage as men, and our TV ratings at the Grand Slams are pretty much equal to and often better than the men, so I don't understand the rationale for paying the men more than us.
Women's tennis is at such a high level now that any of the top 10 or 20 players could give me a tough match. Martina is on her comeback and no doubt will reach the top again but I don't have a specific rival here.
It comes on unexpectedly from day to day and I can't control it, ... I'm not a player who goes on court without intending to finish a match. It's bad enough to have to withdraw before you play, but to retire during a match is even more disappointing.
I played well today, ... I started off strong but then I made a few mistakes and she capitalized. She's a good player and has a strong return. I just tried to play my game and in the end I got the win.
I played two players of completely different styles today and that took some time adjusting.
This decision will only strengthen the bond between women players and one of the world's great sporting events [on equal prize money at Wimbledon
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.
I'm not the next Kournikova-I want to win matches!
I don't follow other players or the tournaments they play. I have my own schedule and do my own thing. I never really think, 'Oh, I want to be or play like so-and-so.' I just like being myself.
It's pretty hard being a tennis player and Mother Theresa at the same time and that's just the way it is.
I knew she was a strong player and played well in Beijing but I must admit I just wasn't myself on the court today,