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Maria Sharapova
Wimbledon wonder Maria Sharapova was born on April 19, 1987 in Nyagan, western Siberia. Shortly before she was born, Maria’s parents fled from Gomel, Russia, to avoid the terrifying after-effects of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. In 1989, the family once again relocated; this time to the Black Sea town of Sochi. Growing up in the resort town, Maria developed a love of tennis. At just six years old, she took up the sport under the coaching of her father, Yuri. In October 1993, Maria attended tennis clinics in Moscow during the Kremlin Cup. Her exceptional form and shots were noticed by tennis champ, Martina Navratilova, who mentioned to Maria’s father, “she has talent.” Yuri took the praise seriously, and made the decision to seek out world-class coaching for his daughter. In 1995, Maria and her father left for the United States with just $700, leaving behind Maria’s mother, Yelena, to finish college and await her U.S. visa. After being determined too young for IMG's Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida; father and daughter settled in nearby Venice where Maria competed in local tournaments. Meanwhile, Yuri worked various odd jobs. In 1995, Maria was eventually awarded a scholarship to the Academy, where she enrolled full-time. By then nine years old, Maria lived on-campus, seeing her father only on weekends. The following year, Maria’s mother had obtained her U.S. visa and reunited with her family in Florida. Yelena also began schooling her daughter -- who has never had a formal education -- at home.
In November 2000, 13-year-old Maria’s dedication and sacrifices had finally paid off. She won the Girls' 16-and-under Eddie Herr Championships, and followed up one year later with her first professional tournament in April 2001. There, she won 25 matches and came away with three titles: Sacramento, Hilton Head and Pilsen in the Czech Republic. For the 2002 season, she topped her own record on the junior circuit with 26 victories and won three more titles: Vancouver, Peachtree and Gunma in Japan. In 2003, Maria was accepted on to the WTA professional women's circuit. By the end of her first season, she was ranked the 32nd best player in the world. The following year, Maria won the Wimbledon championships, defeating Serena Williams in the final.
Maria is the only Russian and the fifth youngest female to be named world's highest-paid female athlete. A reported 90% of Maria’s earnings come from her endorsement deals, which include contracts with Motorola, Gatorade, Nike, Land Rover, and Canon.
In addition to her tennis skills, Maria’s blonde haired, long-legged looks have landed her a spot on People Magazine’s list of the 50 most beautiful celebrities in the world for 2005, as well as the title of hottest athlete in the world for four years in a row, according to Maxim magazine.
Like Monica Seles, Maria has been criticized for her loud grunting on the tennis court, earning her the nickname “The Siberian Siren.” Elena Dementieva, Maria’s opponent in a 2006 Wimbledon quarterfinal, reportedly complained that the siren’s sounds distracted her during the competition.
Maria currently divides her time between her beachfront home in Manhattan Beach, California; and the IMG training facility in Bradenton, Florida.
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