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
Within a few years the name 'Maria Sharapova' will be a brand as universally recognized as Calvin Klein, BMW and Rolex.
I spent a whole year when I was injured just trying to get my arm back to the point where I could hit a tennis ball for more than 30 minutes a day. I'd hit for 15 minutes and it would feel as if my arm was going to fall off.
I'm 17 years old and there are many great things ahead. If I don't win the U.S. Open this year, it's not going to be a disaster in my life.
Of course, everyone knows my story of being born in Russia and moving to the United States at 7. For a few years people would say, 'Well, she's living in the United States, but she's Russian.'
It'll be great. Of course I was disappointed last year. But . . I'll get my revenge.
In the last year I have gained a lot of experience because I have been playing against top players and realized what things to work on to get better. Top players basically tell you what your weaknesses are on the court.
I think that's why I play tennis, because of the challenge, because of the competition, .. That's why we love to play tiebreaker in the third set. It makes it more exciting, and the bigger support in the stand, and more fans involved in it. I really enjoyed the competition and took a lot of hard work to make myself No. 1 at 18 years old.
A great tennis career is something that a 15-year-old normally doesn't have. I hope my example helps other teens believe they can accomplish things they never thought possible.
I love Miami. There's a lot of entertainment going on. Some of the tournaments on the tour are pretty boring. This isn't one of them.
I'm very disappointed I am not able to continue my play in Philadelphia. I was having a really good tournament and I'm sure it will still be an exciting final weekend. I just wish I could be a part of it.
I'm naturally a lefty. I do a lot of things lefty. I write with my right hand but I throw and kick with my left foot and left hand.
I know that I did not win this match fairly, ... I do not like such victories.
I know that in a few years when I do improve little things in my game by one or two percent that I will get better.
I knew it was going to be tough. I came out hitting a lot of winners. I felt like I was playing great. After the second set, I didn't feel like I was there. I felt like I was making too many errors. I managed to get it back (in the third set).