Maria Sharapova

About Maria Sharapova

Maria Yuryevna Sharapova is a Russian professional tennis player, who is ranked world No. 3 by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). Sharapova became the world No. 1 for the first time on August 22, 2005, at the age of 18, and last held the ranking for the fifth time for four weeks from June 11, 2012, to July 8, 2012.

Synopsis:

Maria Sharapova was born on April 19, 1987, in Nyagan, Russia. She started playing tennis at an early age and turned professional at the age of 14. Sharapova won Wimbledon in 2004 against Serena Williams and has gone on to win the U.S. Open and Australian Open. In 2012, she won the French Open, becoming the 10th woman to complete a career Grand Slam. At the 2012 Summer Olympic Games—Sharapova's Olympic debut—she won a silver medal in women's singles, losing the gold to American tennis star Serena Williams.

Athletic Accomplishments:

2007-In 2007, a shoulder injury sidelined Sharapova and contributed to a series of losses, but she was still ranked among the Top 5 women's tennis players at the end of that year. 

2012-In June 2012, Sharapova defeated Sara Errani in the women's French Open, becoming the 10th woman to complete a career Grand Slam, winning all four major tennis tournaments.

2014-In June 2014, Sharapova regained momentum when she won her second French Open title against Simona Halep.

Maria Sharapova Achievements

Awards:

2003

• Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Newcomer of the Year
  

2004

• WTA Player of the Year
  
• WTA Most Improved Player of the Year
  

2005

• ESPY Best Female Tennis Player
  
• Prix de Citron Roland Garros
  

2006

• Whirlpool 6th Sense Player of the Year
  

2007

• ESPY Best Female Tennis Player
  
• ESPY Best International Female Athlete
  

2008

• ESPY Best Female Tennis Player
  

2010

• WTA Fan Favorite Singles Player
  
• WTA Humanitarian of the Year
  
• WTA Most Fashionable Player (On Court)
  
• WTA Most Fashionable Player (Off Court)
  
• WTA Most Dramatic Expression
  

2012

ESPY Best Female Tennis Player

Medal of the Order For Merit to the Fatherland 2nd Class (April 28, 2012) – for her philanthropic activity

Medal of the Order For Merit to the Fatherland 1st Class (August 13, 2012) – for her outstanding contribution to the development of physical cultures and sports at the XXX Olympic Games in 2012 in London (Great Britain)