Maria Sharapova
Comments(0)A Russian professional tennis player, Maria Sharapova was born on April 19, 1987 in Nyagan, Siberia, Russia to parents Yuri and Yelena Sharapova. At the age of seven, Maria joined the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Looking at the talent of young girl, IMG, a prestigious sports management and modeling company, agreed to sponsor Sharapova.
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In 2001, Maria officially started her tennis career. That year, Maria won twenty-five matches and three titles: Sacramento, Hilton Head and Pilsen in the Czech Republic. The following season, Sharapova won another three titles: Vancouver, Peachtree, and Gunma in Japan. In 2003, Maria joined WTA Tour and won 34 matches.
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In 2004, Sharapova defeated champion player Serena Williams and became the first Russian to win a Wimbledon singles title and the third-youngest women’s champion in history. Sharapova currently resides in Bradenton, Florida. Sharapova defeated Justine Henin in the final of the 2006 U.S. Open. In 2006, Maria won the “Hottest female athlete of the year” award.