Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova Biography

In 2004, Maria Sharapova became the third-youngest Wimbledon women's champion (after Lottie Dod and Martina Hingis) and second-youngest in the Open Era by defeating Ai Sugiyama in the quarterfinals, Lindsay Davenport in the semifinals, and two-time defending champion Serena Williams. She also became the first Russian to win Wimbledon tournament.

Interesting facts about Maria Sharapova:

Born: April 19, 1987
Birthplace: Nyagan, the Siberian region of Russia
A four-year-old Maria picks up a racket and starts playing tennis.
Favorite movies: Mona Lisa Smile, Something's Gotta Give, Love Actually
Prize Earnings: 2006 so far: $1,025,534. Career: ~ $5,698,885

1992, while playing in an exhibition tournament in Moscow the five-year-old Maria is spotted by tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who recommends Nick Bollettieri's tennis academy in the United States.

Maria Sharapova Career

maria sharapova Maria Sharapova turned pro in 2001 when she was just 14. Maria won her first tournament at the age of 16. She wins on the WTA tour - in Japan and Quebec - and ends the year ranked 32. A year later, Sharapova pulled off one of the biggest upsets in women's tennis history by defeating Serena Williams to win the 2004 Wimbledon tennis tournament.

Defending her Wimbledon title in 2005, Sharapova sailed through to the semi-finals without losing a set, then lost to a rejuvenated Venus Williams.

A back injury that Davenport sustained in the Wimbledon final meant that she could not defend the ranking points she obtained during the U.S. hard court season of 2004. Sharapova had fewer points to defend and therefore rose to the No. 1 ranking on August 22, 2005.

2006, for the second consecutive year, Sharapova was defeated in the semifinals of Wimbledon, losing to eventual winner Amelie Mauresmo 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.

Official website: Maria Sharapova