Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova
Maria Yuryevna Sharapova; born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player. A United States resident since 1994, Sharapova has competed on the WTA tour since 2001. She has been ranked world No. 1 in singles by the WTA on five separate occasions, for a total of 21 weeks. She is one of ten women, and the only Russian, to hold the career Grand Slam. She is also an Olympic medalist, having earned silver for Russia in women's singles...
NationalityRussian
ProfessionTennis Player
Date of Birth19 April 1987
CityNyagan, Russia
CountryRussian Federation
Women's tennis players are getting as many sponsors and media coverage as men, and our TV ratings at the Grand Slams are pretty much equal to and often better than the men, so I don't understand the rationale for paying the men more than us.
Women's tennis is at such a high level now that any of the top 10 or 20 players could give me a tough match. Martina is on her comeback and no doubt will reach the top again but I don't have a specific rival here.
When I had the opportunity to win, I did. But I think I will play better. If I keep improving I definitely feel confident I can win it again.
When I look back, there were chances I could have taken and didn't. In the second set especially, I didn't have my usual fight to the end. It wasn't any particular point, but a little here and there made a big difference.
When the matches get tougher and you're pushed more, automatically, the level of your game increases.
What I do best is compete. This is just something I do for fun.
A great tennis career is something that a 15-year-old normally doesnt have. I hope my example helps other teens believe they can accomplish things they never thought possible.
Do you remember what Richard III said about wearing the crown?
That's why we have journalists, for stats.
When I'm down or when it's close in a match, I feel like I am still in it. Mentally I'm still really, really tough.
When I do that, it means I'm not going to miss the ball.
Wow! It's absolutely amazing, I can't believe I pulled this match out today,