Stories
Biography
- Father is Yuri; mother is Yelena ... Started playing at age 4; at age 6 took part in Moscow exhibition that featured Martina Navratilova; began training at Bollettieri Academy at age 9 (required two-year separation from mother due to visa restrictions and finances) ... Has become a major force in the business world with a series of very successful ventures including a Nike apparel collection; a Porsche ambassadorship; and launching candy and chocolate line, Sugarpova, in 2012 (www.sugarpova.com) ... Has given a lot of time and money to charity, including the Maria Sharapova Foundation and her work as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, donating over $100,000 to Gomel area of Belarus affected by Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster from 1986, and launching a $210,000 scholarship program for students from Chernobyl area; also donated value of Porsche Cayenne she won at 2004 WTA Finals (approximately $56,300) to those affected by school hostage crisis in Beslan ... Favorite foods are Russian and Thai cuisine; favorite dessert is French crêpes w/nutella ... Other interests include fashion, singing, dancing and watching movies (favorite movies are Mona Lisa Smile, Something's Gotta Give and Love Actually) ... Has an extremely strong following on social media (in 2014 became first tennis player, male or female, to pass 15 million fans on Facebook).
Plays
Right-HandedCareer High
1Height
6' 2" (1.88 m)Birthday
Apr 19, 1987 April 19, 1987Birthplace
Nyagan, RussiaCareer Highlights
SINGLES
Winner (36): 2017 - Tianjin; 2015 - Brisbane, Rome; 2014 - Stuttgart, Madrid, Roland Garros, Beijing; 2013 - Indian Wells, Stuttgart; 2012 - Stuttgart, Rome, Roland Garros; 2011 - Rome, Cincinnati; 2010 - Memphis, Strasbourg; 2009 - Tokyo [Pan Pacific]; 2008 - Australian Open, Doha, Amelia Island; 2007 - San Diego; 2006 - Indian Wells, San Diego, US Open, Zürich, Linz; 2005 - Tokyo [Pan Pacific], Doha, Birmingham; 2004 - Birmingham, Wimbledon, Seoul, Tokyo [Japan Open], WTA Finals; 2003 - Tokyo [Japan Open], Québec City.
Finalist (23): 2015 - Australian Open; 2013 - Miami, Madrid, Roland Garros; 2012 - Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Olympics, Beijing, WTA Finals; 2011 - Miami, Wimbledon; 2010 - Birmingham, Stanford, Cincinnati; 2009 - Toronto; 2007 - Australian Open, Birmingham, WTA Finals; 2006 - Dubai, Miami; 2005 - Miami; 2004 - Zürich.
DOUBLES
Winner (3): 2004 - Birmingham (w/Kirilenko); 2003 - Tokyo [Japan Open], Luxembourg (both w/Tanasugarn).
Finalist (1): 2004 - Memphis (w/Zvonareva).
ADDITIONAL
Russian Fed Cup Team, 2008, 2011-12, 2015; Russian Olympic Team, 2012.