Maria Sharapova is a retired Russian professional tennis player. She was born on April 19, 1987, in Nyagan, Russia. Sharapova became one of the most prominent figures in tennis with her powerful game and strong competitive spirit.
She won five Grand Slam singles titles: the Australian Open (2008), the French Open (2012) and 2014, Wimbledon (2004), and the US Open (2006). Her career was marked by her distinctive grunts on the court, which became a notable aspect of her play.
Sharapova‘s career had its ups and downs, including a 15-month suspension from the sport in 2016 for a doping violation. However, she made a strong return to tennis and continued to compete until her retirement in 2020.
Beyond tennis, Sharapova has been involved in various business ventures, including her candy company, Sugarpova. She is also known for her philanthropy and her work with the Sharapova Foundation, which focuses on education and youth development.
Maria Sharapova’s tennis career was distinguished by her powerful baseline play, competitive nature, and striking on-court presence. Here are some highlights:
- Grand Slam Success: Sharapova won five Grand Slam singles titles:
- Wimbledon (2004): She won her first major title at just 17 years old, defeating Serena Williams in the final.
- US Open (2006): She captured her second Grand Slam title by defeating Justine Henin.
- Australian Open (2008): Sharapova claimed her third Grand Slam title with a win over Ana Ivanovic.
- French Open (2012 and 2014): She secured her fourth and fifth Grand Slam titles, with the 2012 victory completing her career Grand Slam.
- Playing Style: Sharapova was known for her aggressive baseline game, powerful groundstrokes, and relentless pursuit of every point. Her serve, although not always the most reliable, was a significant weapon when it was on.
- Notable Rivalries: She had notable rivalries with players like Serena Williams, who often bested her in crucial matches, and other top players like Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki.
- Career Achievements:
- WTA No. 1: She held the world No. 1 ranking multiple times during her career.
- Career Grand Slam: By winning the French Open in 2012, she completed her career grand slam, a rare achievement in tennis.
- Olympic Silver Medal: Sharapova won a silver medal in women’s tennis at the 2012 London Olympics.
- Injury and Suspension: Sharapova’s career was affected by various injuries, including shoulder problems that required surgery. She also faced a 15-month suspension from the sport starting in 2016 due to a positive test for the banned substance meldonium.
- Retirement: She announced her retirement from professional tennis in February 2020, concluding a career that made her one of the sport’s most recognizable and accomplished figures.
Sharapova’s career is remembered for her remarkable achievements, her resilience through injuries and controversies, and her influence both on and off the court.
Maria Sharapova’s family has played a significant role in her life and career. Here’s a look at her family:
- Father, Yuri Sharapov: Yuri Sharapov is Maria’s father. He was a key figure in her early tennis development, and Maria has often credited him with being a driving force behind her career. Yuri moved the family to the United States when Maria was a young teenager to help her pursue her tennis dreams more effectively. His support and dedication were crucial to her rise to stardom.
- Mother, Yelena Sharapova: Yelena Sharapova is Maria’s mother. She has been an important part of Maria’s life and career, offering support and encouragement. Yelena also moved with the family to the U.S. to support Maria’s tennis aspirations.
- Husband: Alexander Gilkes: In April 2019, Sharapova announced her engagement to Alexander Gilkes, a British businessman and co-founder of the online auction house Paddle8. They married in April 2020. Gilkes is known for his work in the art and auction industries.
- Extended Family: Sharapova’s extended family includes relatives who have been supportive throughout her career, although they are less publicly known compared to her immediate family.
Maria Sharapova’s family has been integral to her success, providing both emotional and practical support throughout her journey from a young tennis prodigy to a global star.
Maria Sharapova and her husband, Alexander Gilkes, welcomed their first child, a son named Theodore (often referred to as “Theo”), in July 2022. The couple announced the birth of their son via social media, sharing their joy with fans and followers. The arrival of Theodore marked a new chapter in Sharapova’s life as she transitioned from a celebrated tennis career to focusing on her family.
Maria Sharapova faced several challenges and setbacks throughout her career, alongside her numerous successes. Here are some of the notable lows:
| Full name | Maria Yuryevna Sharapova |
| Native name | Мария Юрьевна Шарапова |
| Country (sports) |  Russia |
| Residence | Florida and California, US |
| Born | 19 April 1987 (age 37) |
| Height | 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) |
| Career record | 645–171[1] |
| Career titles | 36 |
- Injury Struggles: Sharapova’s career was significantly impacted by injuries, particularly to her shoulder. She underwent multiple surgeries, including a major shoulder surgery in 2008 that kept her out of action for a while. These injuries affected her performance and consistency on the court.
- Doping Suspension: In March 2016, Sharapova announced she had tested positive for meldonium, a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). She claimed she had been taking it for medical reasons but did not realize it had been added to the banned list. She was suspended for 15 months, which was a major blow to her career and reputation.
- Return to Competition: After serving her suspension, Sharapova faced challenges in regaining her top form. She struggled with inconsistent performances and faced tough competition, which made it difficult for her to return to her previous level of success.
- Pressure and Criticism: Throughout her career, Sharapova faced intense scrutiny and criticism, particularly related to her suspension. The media and public were often harsh in their judgment, which added to the pressure she experienced.
- Retirement: Sharapova announced her retirement from professional tennis in February 2020. Her decision was influenced by ongoing struggles with injuries and the desire to focus on other aspects of her life. While retirement is a natural part of an athlete’s career, it marked the end of a significant chapter in her life.
Despite these lows, Sharapova’s resilience and determination were evident throughout her career. She managed to overcome many obstacles and remain a prominent figure in the sport, as well as successfully transition to other ventures and aspects of her life after tennis.
Maria Sharapova is a former professional tennis player known for her powerful game and significant achievements on the court. Here’s a comprehensive overview of her life and career:
Early Life
- Born: April 19, 1987, in Nyagan, Siberia, Russia.
- Family: Her parents are Yuri and Yelena Sharapova. Her family moved to Sochi when she was a young child and later to the United States to support her tennis career.
- Tennis Beginnings: Sharapova started playing tennis at the age of four. Recognizing her talent, her father moved the family to the U.S. to enroll her in the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida when she was just nine years old.
Professional Career
- Early Success: Sharapova turned professional in 2001 at the age of 14. She quickly made a name for herself with a combination of power and precision.
- Grand Slam Titles:
- Wimbledon (2004): At 17, she won her first Grand Slam title by defeating Serena Williams in the final.
- US Open (2006): Sharapova captured her second Grand Slam by defeating Justine Henin.
- Australian Open (2008): She secured her third Grand Slam title with a win over Ana Ivanovic.
- French Open (2012 and 2014): She won her fourth and fifth Grand Slam titles, with the 2012 victory completing the career Grand Slam.
- WTA No. 1: Sharapova held the world No. 1 ranking multiple times throughout her career.
Challenges and Controversies
- Injuries: Sharapova struggled with shoulder injuries that led to several surgeries and affected her career performance.
- Doping Suspension: In March 2016, she announced a positive test for meldonium, a banned substance. She was suspended for 15 months, impacting her career and reputation.
Return and Retirement
- Post-Suspension: After her suspension, Sharapova faced challenges returning to her peak form. She continued to compete but struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances.
- Retirement: Sharapova announced her retirement from professional tennis in February 2020. Her decision was influenced by ongoing injuries and a desire to focus on other pursuits.
Personal Life
- Marriage: In April 2019, she became engaged to Alexander Gilkes, a British businessman. They married in April 2020.
- Child: In July 2022, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Theodore.
Post-Tennis Ventures
- Business: Sharapova is involved in various business ventures, including her candy company, Sugarpova, which she founded in 2012.
- Philanthropy: She is also known for her philanthropic efforts through the Sharapova Foundation, which focuses on education and youth development.
Legacy
Maria Sharapova is remembered as one of the most prominent figures in tennis, known for her powerful playing style, significant achievements, and resilience in overcoming career challenges. Her impact extends beyond the court, with a successful transition into business and philanthropy.
Tennis Academy and Online Education
- Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy: At the age of nine, Sharapova moved to the United States to attend the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida. The academy is renowned for training young tennis talents, and Sharapova’s focus on her tennis career meant that her formal schooling was adapted to fit her demanding schedule.
- Homeschooling: During her time at the tennis academy, Sharapova was homeschooled. This arrangement allowed her to continue her education while dedicating significant time to training and competing. The flexibility of homeschooling enabled her to balance her academic responsibilities with her intense training regimen.
Further Education
- Completion of Education: As Sharapova’s professional tennis career progressed, her focus remained on her sport, and she did not pursue higher education or traditional schooling beyond her early years. Her education was tailored to support her tennis career rather than following a conventional academic path.
Overall, while Maria Sharapova’s education was not traditional due to her early and intense focus on tennis, she received a level of schooling that allowed her to manage her dual commitments of education and sport effectively.
