Maria, a professional tennis player, was born to Yuri and Yelena Sharapova. Her parents made a huge sacrifice by giving up their careers and leaving their home country to ensure their daughter could become the best in the world.
Maria Yuryevna Sharapova is a former professional tennis player from Russia. She was ranked the world No. 1 in singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for 21 weeks.
Sharapova is the only Russian woman to achieve the career Grand Slam. She has won five major titles, including two at the French Open.
She also won an Olympic silver medal in women’s singles at the 2012 London Olympics.
A doping scandal marred Sharapova’s career in 2016 when she tested positive for meldonium at the Australian Open. She received a suspension but later returned to professional tennis.
In addition to her tennis career, Sharapova has been involved in various modeling assignments and endorsements.
She has appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and has been the face of Nike, Prince, and Canon brands.
Sharapova has also been recognized for her philanthropic work as a United Nations Development Program Goodwill Ambassador. She focused on the Chornobyl Recovery and Development Program.
Sharapova has been highly successful financially. She was named the highest-paid female athlete in the world by Forbes for 11 consecutive years.
In 2018, Maria launched a mentoring program for women entrepreneurs, showcasing her commitment to empowering others outside of tennis.
Furthermore, she announced her retirement on February 2020.
Maria Sharapova Parents
Maria Sharapova was born to Yuri and Yelena Sharapova. Her dad, Yuri, worked on construction sites.
Maria’s parents played a crucial role in her achievements and popularity. They put in much effort and support to help Maria become who she is today.
Her father mainly played the role of both father and coach to her.
In her book “Unstoppable, My Life So Far,” Maria confessed about her parent’s struggle and sacrifice to make her who she is today.
In the book, she stated that her father used to learn about tennis and teach her the tricks. He used to cook for her so that she could train well.
Maria’s parents, Yuri and Yelena, first met in Gomel, Ukraine. The site experienced one of the world’s most catastrophic nuclear accidents in April 1986.
Concerned about the potentially harmful effects of the radioactive fallout, especially with Yelena’s pregnancy, the couple decided to relocate eastward in 1986.
They found their new home in Nyagan, Siberia. Maria Sharapova was born there.
After diligently saving money for four months, they eventually achieved their goal of moving to Sochi, a charming resort town located on the southern coast of Russia, bordering the Black Sea.
Yuri And Yelena Sharapova Are Maria’s Biggest Fan
Maria Sharapova’s parents introduced her to tennis at a young age. They provided her with a modified adult racket due to financial constraints.
Recognizing her talent, they took her to a tennis clinic in Moscow at the age of six. They later took her to Florida with the help of Martina Navratilova.
Her parents left their job and went to the nation where they knew no one to make Maria a professional tennis player.
Maria’s parents never missed her game and were there for her highs and lows.
Maria’s parents continue to be there for her, but sometimes Maria expresses her frustration about her father’s overbearing nature and lack of friendliness.
In the 2005 season, Sharapova received multiple warnings because her father would hold up bananas and drinks during her breaks.
Two years later, in 2007, she was fined $2000 at the Australian Open for receiving on-court coaching from her father during the match.
