Although no longer the number one tennis player in the world, Maria Sharapova is still absolutely the female star most famous tennis and most watched, and the world's highest paid female athlete.
His parents were originally from Gomel, Belarus, but moved to the infamous Siberia in Russia in 1986 after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Sharapova was born in Nyagan, Russia on April 19, 1987. She currently resides in the United States, but has retained his Russian citizenship.
After moving with his family in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi in three years, she started playing tennis after the age of four. His racket for the first time the father of tennis champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov, who hails from Sochi. At the time he was six years old, showed enough talent on the court to draw the attention of superstar Martina Navratilova, who spoke on Sharapova's parents, urging them to send the girl to the United States for professional training tennis.
The parents were not wealthy and yet it is played and followed the advice of Navratilova. Accompanied by her father, Sharapova went to Florida and enrolled at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, tennis school that produced former world number one, as Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. Because of visa problems, the father and daughter were separated Sharapova's mother for two years.
In principle, Sharapova's father worked several jobs to pay for tennis lessons. However, things would improve soon. The sports giant talent agency, International Management Group, Sharapova soon granted a full scholarship to ease the financial burdens of his father.
In 2004, Sharapova defeated twice Wimbledon champion Serena Williams in three sets (6-1, 6-4) in the final to become the youngest winner of the third part of the prestigious Wimbledon women's singles events, following the steps Lottie Dod and Martina Hingis. He also became the first Russian to win the event. On his way to the final, Sharapova pulled out impressive victories in three sets against Japan's Ai Sugiyama (5-7, 7-5, 6-1) and Lindsay Davenport (2-6, 7-6, 6-1).
On September 12, 2005, Sharapova rose in the ranking and was named the number one tennis player in the world. He was only 19 years old.
The Princess of Tennis - Maria Sharapova
Age is a factor. That's what the Russian tennis player, Maria Sharapova, proved to the world when he became the youngest champion in Wimbledon's third wife in 2004 and No. 1 in the world in 2005 - amazing feat he achieved in a short space of time since its debut in major league tennis. "The great tennis career is something that a 15 year old does not normally have. I hope my example helps other teens believe they can accomplish things you never thought possible."
The beautiful Sharapova, 20, has become a celebrity hot inside and outside the court. Today is the fourth player in the world and top endorser of Nike accessories, clothing and footwear. In addition, she was listed as highest paid female athlete in the world in late 2006.
Born in Nyagan, Russia, 7 years old, Maria Sharapova was taken by his father, Yuri to the United States to attend the Tennis Academy of Nick Bollettiere in Bradenton, Florida. It has taken some years to follow his mother Yelena due to visa restrictions. Despite living in the United States, which still retain their Russian citizenship.
In 2003, Sharapova reached the fourth round of the prestigious Wimbledon as a wildcard. She was a favorite - going on to win the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Newcomer of the Year. By becoming the third youngest Wimbledon women's champion (after Lottie Dod and Martina Hingis), was the first Russian to win the tournament. Even defeated the established athletes such as Lindsay Davenport and Serena Williams - a big achievement for a beginner like her.
With 22 consecutive victories from grass, Birmingham titles and the Wimbledon title to his credit, the 18-year-old Sharapova reached the No. 1 ranking August 22, 2005, dethroning Davenport. His reign was cut short when Davenport reached the top again after a week. Sharapova's second reign was the September 12, 2005, which lasted for six weeks.
It has been two years and Sharapova's career is still going strong. The young celebrity sports figure is very determined and focused on his career path and direction - and that is to be at the top of the game again. "When I was working my way to the top of tennis, I did not say it was the number two, I said I wanted to be number one."