Activism

On February 14, 2007, Sharapova was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and donated US$100,000 to UNDP Chernobyl-recovery projects.

Maria started playing tennis is young age.

Sharapova has won two Grand Slam singles titles. She is the reigning U.S. Open champion, having defeated Justine Henin in the final of the 2006 U.S. Open. Two years earlier, she defeated Serena Williams in the final at Wimbledon.

1. Ana Ivanovic

4222 points

2. Maria Sharapova

3806 points

3. Jelena Jankovic

3755 points

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova

3565 points

5. Elena Dementieva

2750 points

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Wimbledon: Second round Interview

First round ESPN Interview

Wimbledon: First round highlights

Wimbledon: First round Interview

Maria Sharapova Accessories for women

Wimbledon 2008
(6 replies)
Last reply by t061220

Maria is world number 1 again!!
(10 replies)
Last reply by Senia

Oncourt pictures
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Last reply by sharapova_fun

Maria Sharapova Biography

Name: Maria Yuryevna Sharapova
Date of Birth: April 19, 1987
Birthplace: Nyagan, Russia (Siberian Region)
Residence: Bradenton, Florida, USA
Nationality: Russian
Height: 6'2
Weight: 130 lbs. (59 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Clothing: Nike
Racquet: Prince
Endorsements: Speedminton, Motorola, Parlux Fragrances, Canon, TAG Heuer, Honda Japan & Colgate-Palmolive, Land Rover, Gatorade.

PERSONAL

Coached by her father Yuri Sharapov and Robert Lansdorp
Mother's name is Yelena
Started hitting tennis balls at age four; at six, participated in exhibition in Moscow that featured Martina Navratilova
Began training at Nick Bollettieri?s Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, USA, at age nine (which required a two-year separation from mother due to visa restrictions and finances)
Off-court interests include fashion, singing, dancing and movies (favorites are Mona Lisa Smile, Something's Gotta Give and Love Actually)
In second year of high school and studies via an Internet school.
Enjoys reading books in the Sherlock Holmes and Pippi Longstocking series.
Prefers Russian and Thai cuisine
Favorite dessert is French crepes with Nutella.
Favorite drinks are orangina and virgin strawberry daiquiris
Signed with IMG Models in November 2003

Maria Yuryevna Sharapova (born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player. At the end of 2006, she was the world's highest-paid female athlete.

Sharapova's parents moved from Homyel, Belarus, to Siberia, Russia, in 1986, after the Chernobyl nuclear accident. She was born the following year in Nyagan, Russia.

At seven, Sharapova was brought to the United States by her father, Yuri Sharapov, to attend the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Her mother, Yelena, who could not come with them because of visa restrictions, followed a few years later. Sharapova has lived in the United States since then but retains her Russian citizenship.

In 2002, Sharapova bought a beach home in Manhattan Beach, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, but lives most of the year near the IMG training facility in Bradenton.

CAREER TITLES
Singles

2003: Tokyo & Quebec City
2004: Birmingham, Wimbledon, Seoul, Tokyo & WTA Championships
2005: Tokyo, Doha & Birmingham
2006: US Open

Doubles

2003: Tokyo, Luxembourg
2004: Birmingham

In 2004 Maria won Wimbledon at the age of 17.

HIGHEST RANKINGS
Singles: 1 (22/8/2005)
Doubles: 41 (14/6/2004)

BEST GRAND SLAM PERFORMANCES
Australian Open: Final
Roland Garros: Quarters
Wimbledon: Champion
US Open: Champion