Here are some interesting facts about Maria Sharapova, one of the most famous tennis players in the world:
1. Grand Slam Champion
- Maria Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam champion. She won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2004 at just 17 years old, making her the third-youngest woman to win the tournament. She went on to win the US Open (2006), Australian Open (2008), and the French Open twice (2012 and 2014).
2. Career Grand Slam
- Sharapova is one of only ten women in history to have completed a Career Grand Slam, winning each of the four major tennis tournaments at least once.
3. Highest-Paid Female Athlete
- For 11 consecutive years, from 2005 to 2015, Maria Sharapova was the highest-paid female athlete in the world, according to Forbes. Her earnings were bolstered not just by her tennis winnings but also by lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike, Porsche, and Evian.
4. Business Ventures
- Beyond tennis, Sharapova is a successful entrepreneur. She launched her own candy company, Sugarpova, in 2012. The brand became a significant success and expanded its product line to include chocolates and accessories.
5. Doping Controversy
- In 2016, Sharapova was involved in a doping scandal when she tested positive for meldonium, a substance that had been banned just months earlier. She received a two-year suspension, later reduced to 15 months, which she used to focus on her education and business ventures.
6. Comeback from Shoulder Surgery
- Sharapova’s career was hampered by a severe shoulder injury that required surgery in 2008. Despite this, she made a remarkable comeback, winning two more Grand Slam titles and regaining the world No. 1 ranking.
7. Author
- In 2017, Sharapova published her autobiography, “Unstoppable: My Life So Far,” which became a bestseller. The book provides insight into her life, career, and the challenges she faced on and off the court.
8. Olympic Silver Medalist
- Sharapova won a silver medal in women’s singles at the 2012 London Olympics, adding an Olympic achievement to her already impressive tennis resume.
9. Philanthropy
- Sharapova is also involved in charitable work. She established the Maria Sharapova Foundation, which focuses on helping children around the world, particularly in the area affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
10. Retirement
- Maria Sharapova announced her retirement from professional tennis in February 2020, ending a career that spanned nearly two decades. She cited persistent injuries and the physical toll on her body as factors in her decision to retire.
These facts highlight Sharapova’s impact not just in tennis, but also in business and beyond, making her one of the most influential athletes in the world.