Everything about Maria Sharapova

Who is Maria Sharapova?

Maria Sharapova, born April 19, 1987 in Njagan, Russia, is a former professional tennis player known for her strength and mentality. She won a total of five Grand Slam titles, including Wimbledon in 2004, when she broke through at the age of 17 by defeating Serena Williams in the final. Sharapova completed her Grand Slam career by winning each of the four major tournaments at least once: Wimbledon, the US Open, the Australian Open and twice Roland Garros. Sharapova was ranked No. 1 in the world several times and became one of the highest paid female athletes due to her success on the court and lucrative sponsorship deals with brands such as Nike and Porsche. Despite a doping controversy in 2016, in which she was suspended, she returned to the circuit. She quit professional tennis in 2020. In addition to her sports career, Sharapova is successful in business, including her own candy brand, Sugarpova.

Name: Maria Sharapova
Birthplace: Nyagan, Russia
Born: April 19, 1987
Turned Pro: 2018
Height: 1.88m

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Maria Sharapova at event

Maria Sharapova, born April 19, 1987 in Nyagan, Russia, is a 37-year-old former professional tennis player and five-time Grand Slam champion. She moved with her family to the United States at a young age to continue her tennis training at Nick Bollettieri's academy. Sharapova achieved worldwide fame in 2004 at the age of 17 when she won Wimbledon by defeating Serena Williams in the final. She completed the career Grand Slam by winning titles at Wimbledon, the US Open, the Australian Open, and twice at Roland Garros.

Sharapova was ranked No. 1 in the WTA rankings several times and was one of the highest paid female athletes in the world for many years, with lucrative sponsorship deals with brands such as Nike, Head, and Porsche. In addition to her prize money, Sharapova has an estimated annual income of tens of millions of dollars from sponsorship deals and her own company Sugarpova, a luxury candy brand.

Sharapova announced her retirement in 2020 after a successful career, despite a 2016 suspension for a doping controversy. She now operates as an entrepreneur and investor and remains an influential personality in the sports world.

Maria Sharapova grew up to become one of the most successful and recognizable figures in women's tennis. Her journey to the top began when, at a young age, she moved with her family to the United States to train at Nick Bollettieri's famed tennis academy. It soon became clear that she had a special talent. At the age of 14, Sharapova made her professional debut in 2001, and in the following years she began her rise on the WTA tour.

The breakthrough came in 2004, when Sharapova reached the final of Wimbledon at the age of 17. In one of the most memorable matches in tennis history, she defeated Serena Williams and captured her first Grand Slam title. This victory catapulted her to worldwide fame, and she finished the year ranked No. 4 in the world. Sharapova also won the WTA Finals, establishing herself as one of the premier young talents in the sport.

In the following years, Sharapova continued to be successful. In 2006, she won her second Grand Slam title at the US Open and reached the No. 1 position in the WTA rankings for the first time. Her aggressive style of play, powerful strokes, and mentality made her a formidable opponent. Despite some injury problems, she continued to compete at the top of women's tennis.

The year 2008 marked another high point in Sharapova's career when she won the Australian Open, capturing her third Grand Slam title. It seemed she would remain at the top for a long time, but shoulder injuries began to affect her performance. She underwent shoulder surgery in 2009 and had to miss much of that season, which was a serious blow to her career. Her return to the tour was difficult, and she fell out of the top 100 in the world rankings.

Despite these setbacks, Sharapova did not give up. In 2012, she reached the top again by winning Roland Garros, completing her career Grand Slam (winning all four Grand Slam tournaments). This was an impressive achievement, as she is one of the few players in history to achieve this. Sharapova returned to the No. 1 position and proved that, despite her injuries, she was still one of the best.

In 2013 and 2014, Sharapova remained successful, especially on gravel, winning Roland Garros again in 2014. This brought her total to five Grand Slam titles, cementing her place as one of the greatest players in tennis history.

Her career took an unexpected turn in 2016, however, when she was suspended for using meldonium, a substance that had been placed on the banned list shortly before. Sharapova received a 15-month suspension, which severely affected her reputation and career. Although she acknowledged the controversy, Sharapova remained determined to return to the sport.

In 2017, she returned after her suspension and began her struggle to return to the highest level. Although she had some successes, including winning the WTA tournament in Tianjin, Sharapova struggled to find her old form again. Injuries, especially to her shoulder, continued to limit her performance.

The years 2018 and 2019 were difficult for Sharapova, as she struggled with physical problems and was no longer able to penetrate deep into tournaments. Despite her efforts, her rankings began to drop, and she had to consider whether she wanted to continue her career.

In 2020, after nearly 19 years of professional tennis, Sharapova announced her retirement. She declared that her body could no longer handle the intensity of the sport and it was time to say goodbye. Her last Grand Slam match was at the 2020 Australian Open, where she lost in the first round. With five Grand Slam titles, a career Grand Slam and multiple stints as No. 1 in the world, Sharapova bid farewell as one of the greatest players in the history of tennis.

After her retirement, Sharapova remained active in the business world, where she built her own candy brand, Sugarpova, among others. Her charismatic personality, resilience and performance on the court made her one of the most beloved and admired athletes of her generation.

Maria Sharapova's career is remembered as one of perseverance, determination and extraordinary achievements. Despite the many challenges and setbacks she faced, her legacy in tennis remains untouched. She remains an inspiration to many young tennis players and sports fans worldwide.

Maria Sharapova in 2024

Maria Sharapova US Open Practice 2019

Maria Sharapova's Life After Tennis in 2024

Maria Sharapova retired from professional tennis in 2020 and therefore was no longer active on the tennis court in 2024. Instead of performing in tournaments, Sharapova has focused on business ventures and personal projects since her retirement, including her successful candy brand Sugarpova and her work as an investor and media figure.

In 2024, she remains involved in tennis and other sports as a mentor, commentator and businesswoman, using her experience and influence to inspire young athletes. Although she can no longer be found on the court, Sharapova remains an important and influential figure in the sports world.

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Here is a list of all the major tournaments Maria Sharapova has won in her career:

Grand Slam titles (Singles)

1. Wimbledon:

- 2004

2. US Open:

- 2006

3. Australian Open:

- 2008

4. Roland Garros:

- 2012, 2014 (2 titles)

WTA Finals

1. WTA Finals:

- 2004

Olympics

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- 2012 (London)

WTA Premier Mandatory & Premier 5 titles.

1. Indian Wells:

- 2006, 2013 (2 titles).

2. Miami Open:

- 2005

3. Madrid Open:

- 2014

4. Rome (Internazionali BNL d'Italia):

- 2011, 2012, 2015 (3 titles)

5. Stuttgart:

- 2012, 2013, 2014 (3 titles).

WTA titles (Singles).

1. Tokyo:

- 2003

2. Birmingham:

- 2004, 2005 (2 titles)

3. Doha:

- 2005

4. San Diego:

- 2006

5. Zurich:

- 2006

6. Amelia Island:

- 2008

7. Los Angeles:

- 2007

ITF titles (Early Career).

1. ITF tournaments:

- Multiple titles before her breakthrough on the WTA tour

Maria Sharapova has won a total of 36 WTA titles, including 5 Grand Slam titles, 1 WTA Finals title, and a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. Her career has been defined by her versatility on different surfaces and her ability to perform on the biggest stages. Sharapova is one of the few players to have achieved the prestigious career Grand Slam.