Maria Sharapova is a former professional tennis player who rose to global fame for her fierce competitiveness, powerful game, and striking presence both on and off the court. Born on April 19, 1987, in Nyagan, Russia, she moved to the United States at the age of seven to train at the prestigious Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida. Her dedication and raw talent quickly set her apart, and by the age of 17, she had stunned the tennis world by winning Wimbledon in 2004, defeating Serena Williams in the final.

Following her Wimbledon breakthrough, Sharapova quickly became one of the biggest stars in tennis. She went on to win a total of five Grand Slam titles—one each at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open, and two at the French Open. Known for her mental toughness, fierce baseline play, and signature shriek on the court, she consistently ranked among the top players in the world and spent a total of 21 weeks as the World No. 1 in singles.

Off the court, Sharapova cultivated a powerful brand, becoming one of the most marketable athletes of her generation. With major endorsement deals, a modeling career, and her own line of candy called Sugarpova, she demonstrated a keen business sense and expanded her presence beyond sports. Her elegance, intelligence, and multilingual abilities further contributed to her appeal as a global icon.

Sharapova’s career was not without controversy. In 2016, she was suspended from professional tennis for 15 months after testing positive for a banned substance, meldonium. She accepted responsibility and returned to the game with determination, though she never quite reached the same heights again. In 2020, she officially announced her retirement from professional tennis, choosing to focus on her business ventures and personal life.

Today, Maria Sharapova is respected not only as a former champion but as a successful entrepreneur and role model. Her journey from a young girl with a dream in Russia to a global superstar is a testament to her perseverance, strength, and vision. Whether competing on the court or building her brand, Sharapova has always approached her goals with grace and grit, leaving a lasting legacy in both the sports and business worlds.