Maria Sharapova, a former tennis player known for her talent and flamboyant style of play, found herself in the centre of attention of paparazzi at a moment when she was not expected to be seen. The ex-world tennis star, born in Nyagan on 19 April 1987, dreamed of a career as an athlete from childhood. At the age of seven, she moved to the United States to study at one of the best tennis academies headed by Nick Bollettieri. Due to her hard work and giftedness, she quickly gained popularity. In 2004, at the age of 17, she won Wimbledon, defeating Serena Williams.
This success was the starting point for her meteoric rise in the world of tennis. Sharapova achieved five Grand Slam titles, including wins at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the Australian Open, and the French Open. Her successes on the court made her one of the most popular female athletes, but her achievements were not limited to the sport.
Off the tennis courts, Maria created a successful brand, signing contracts with major companies and launching her own line of sweets called Sugarpova. She also tried her hand at modelling, demonstrating business success and high business acumen. Her assets included not only her looks, but also her intelligence and knowledge of several languages, which only enhanced her status as a global celebrity.
However, Sharapova’s career has not been cloudless. In 2016, she found herself at the centre of a scandal after she tested positive for meldonium. This led to a 15-month disqualification. After accepting responsibility for the incident, she returned to the sport, but was no longer able to achieve her previous level of success. In 2020, Sharapova officially ended her career as a tennis player, focusing on her business and personal life.
Today, she is seen as an example of a successful woman who managed to succeed not only on the court, but also in the business world, maintaining respect as both an athlete and an entrepreneur. Her life story is a journey from a simple girl with a dream to a global symbol of perseverance and ambition.
