Sharapova open on journey to top of women's tennis: "My family never thought that their little daughter would make it"

Retired tennis star Maria Sharapova recently found herself reliving her journey to the top of the sport that made her a household name.

Sharapova captured 36 titles during her career, including five Grand Slams and the World No.1 ranking. During a promotional event at the Sports Beach stage in Cannes, the Russian opened up about the challenges she faced early in her career.

"I don't think anyone's journey begins at the victory lap when you hold the trophy," she said. "I think it begins from your childhood, the way you're brought up. There's so many lessons on the court. For me personally, I started playing tennis when I was four-years-old. My dad enjoyed it and it was fun for him. I was born in Siberia. My family never though that their daughter would make it to the Centre Court at the French Open."

Furthermore, she credited the people around her for helping her maximize her potential as she navigated the WTA circuit.

"So ya, humble beginnings, I came to the United States as a five-year-old and went to the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, I got scholarship and people think that's success," she added. "But then it takes years and years of practice and grinding and a lot of losing which sets you up for success and victories.

"When I got to compete, I didn't see my mother for two years, she couldn't get a visa to the United States so that was difficult. So all those stories shaped my character, my journey and you know its nice to be able to look back."