Maria Sharapova is a former professional tennis player who made a significant impact on the sport during her career. Born on April 19, 1987, in Russia, Sharapova quickly rose to prominence as one of the most recognizable and successful athletes in women's tennis. Known for her powerful groundstrokes, fierce competitiveness, and relentless work ethic, she became a fan favorite around the world.
Sharapova turned professional at the age of 14 in 2001 and achieved her breakthrough in 2004 when she won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, becoming the third-youngest women's singles champion in the tournament's history. She followed that success with several more major victories, including the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008, and the French Open in 2012 and 2014.
Throughout her career, Sharapova's aggressive playing style, combined with her on-court intensity and off-court glamour, made her a global tennis icon and one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world. Her marketability extended beyond the tennis court, as she ventured into business endeavors, including launching her own brand of candy called Sugarpova.
In 2016, Sharapova faced a setback when she tested positive for a banned substance called meldonium and was subsequently suspended from professional tennis for 15 months. Despite this adversity, she returned to the sport in 2017 and continued to compete at a high level before announcing her retirement in 2020.
Pictures of Maria Sharapova 3 years after retirement
