Maria Sharapova, a name synonymous with tennis excellence, has captivated fans worldwide with her powerful game and captivating presence. But beyond the court, there’s more to this remarkable athlete than meets the eye. Here are 10 lesser-known facts about the Russian tennis star:
#1. Early Beginnings
Sharapova’s journey began in Nyagan, Soviet Union, where she was born in 1987. Her family relocated to Sochi when she was just three years old.
#2. A Bold Move
At the tender age of seven, Sharapova and her father embarked on a life-changing journey to the United States to pursue her tennis dreams. This bold move required her mother to remain in Russia for two years due to visa restrictions.
#3. Grand Slam Glory
Sharapova’s career reached its pinnacle with five Grand Slam singles titles, including Wimbledon (2004), the US Open (2006), the Australian Open (2008), and the French Open (2012, 2014). She is one of only ten women to achieve a career Grand Slam.
#4. World No. 1 Reign
Sharapova ascended to the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in 2005. She held this prestigious position for a total of 21 weeks throughout her career.
#5. Financial Success
Sharapova’s prowess on the court translated into significant financial success. She earned over $38 million in prize money, placing her among the top earners in WTA Tour history.
#6. Beyond the Baseline
Sharapova’s talents extended beyond the tennis court. She secured lucrative endorsement deals and was named Forbes’ highest-paid female athlete for 11 consecutive years.
#7. Candy Connoisseur
Sharapova is the proud owner of Sugarpova, a premium candy company that has achieved remarkable success, with sales reaching $20 million in 2019.
#8. A Resilient Spirit
In 2016, Sharapova faced a setback when she was suspended for 15 months due to a positive drug test. However, she displayed resilience and returned to the tour in 2017.
#9. Life After Tennis
Sharapova announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2020. Since then, she has embraced new ventures, including motherhood and business endeavors.
#10. Family Life
Sharapova is engaged to British businessman Alexander Gilkes, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Theodore, in 2022.
