That’s a pretty impressive accomplishment, given all of the competition!
So where was Sharapova born, and where did she grow up?
How did she discover that she was a tennis prodigy?
Read on to witness the stunning transformation of Maria Sharapova.
That had to have been terrifying for her parents!
Still, the USSR had just fallen apart at that time, so things weren’t exactly idyllic.
“We came to America with only $700,” she explained toABC News.
“It was a shock to me,” Sharapova revealed toThe Guardian.
But indeed she was, and she took home the coveted no.
1 prize when all was said and done.
If you haven’t seenthe match, check it out, as both competitors showed someseriousskill.
Suddenly everyone wanted to know everything about the young star, who seemingly became world-famous overnight.
“I was quite young, and there was a very strong drive to push myself even harder.”
“It’s a really nice feeling.”
Once again, Sharapova faced her no.
1 rival in the semi-finals, Serena Williams, after beating Maria Kirilenko.
But Sharapova walked away with a silver medal, which is still something to be proud of!
“For the first hour, I thought it was a mistake,” she confessed toThe Guardian.
She wondered, “How did I not know?
How did my team not know?
How did no one notify me?”
Clearly, Sharapova had a lot of questions.
When the truth became clear, Sharapova’s ban was reduced to 15 months by the courts.
“I didn’t want the responsibility of being a role model,” she explained toThe Guardian.
“Maybe it was a selfish thing.”
“That’s one of the biggest reasons I’ve been able to come back,” she continued.
Those personal encounters gave Sharapova sincere joy, and helped her feel better when she needed it the most.
“I worked on Sugarpova consistently,” she toldABC News.
That sounds like a nice break on both counts!
She explained that she wanted to get “more competitive” with her business.
Sharapova also realized that she won’t be playing tennis forever, and she wanted to branch out.
In fact, Sharapova was the highest-paid female athlete in the world for 11 years running, according toForbesmagazine.
She also has a home in Sarasota, Fla., as noted byThe Wall Street Journal.
That’s a long way from Siberia!
Naturally it was an emotional choice, one that she didn’t make lightly or without deep reflection.
“I’ll miss it everyday.”
Sharapova assured fans that she would continue to grow, no matter what her next chapter might be.
“I’m not attached to things.”
“In my home, I feel very much Russian,” she continued.
“At home, I speak Russian.
But outside of it, I feel very much American.”
Fortunately in retirement, Sharapova will have time to spend in both places.
