Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova was born on April 19, 1987, in a small Siberian town of Nyagan, where her parents moved from Gomel to escape the consequences of the catastrophe at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Started taking tennis in 4.5 years, by the time her family had already lived in Sochi. Maria was the first coach Yuri Yudkin. 

He noticed little Masha, with an adult racket in hand, the Pope, in training a large amateur tennis, Yuri Sharapov. Curiously, the father of Masha was friends with father Eugeniusz Y.Kafelnikov, and Evgeni gave her first racket. «What struck me right away. In 4.5, it was Kid cool developed mentally. 

Masha absorbed everything I said and did. Everything she was catching on the fly. She mastered the kicks, which is still not understood by all. In 7 years already was able to kručenuû lodge and was a little Wizard. You have no idea what a life she kind, gentle, smiling girl, but it's worth it to pick up a racket, she is a beast! Purposeful, not afraid, she vo Chto by to NI stalo must win! During the three years of our work, she never told me: I'm tired.» - recalls J. Yudkin. 

In six years, Maria Sharapova had a chance to play with Martina Navratilova when she gave a master class in Moscow. Navratilova, after talent in a young tennis player, strongly advised the father to give Masha a tennis Academy of Nick Bollettieri 's, which is located in Florida. 

Wise, Maria's father, who always has sought to develop tennis talent daughters and, incidentally, goes now to her for most of the tournament, the great Council of gods and female players Tony soon moved to America. Helped in moving and Russian tennis Federation. Mama Maria, Helen, was able to move to America, only two years later, when received permission to leave. Yuri Sharapov has revised all coaches in America and opted for a daughter better is Robert Lènsdorp. He has trained such champions as Pete Sampras Lindsay Davenport and Tracy Austin. 

Adult tournaments, held under the auspices of the International Tennis Federation, Masha debuted in 2001 – in Sarasota, where, however, lost in the first round. But a year later in Columbus, not even from the women's Tennis Association rankings, won at the start of the rival was then among the world's top 300. 

In 2002 season were her three titles, won the ITF tournaments: in Japanese, Vancouver Gunme American and Peachtree City. And in 2003, Maria Sharapova was trying your hand regularly at major competitions. In January, qualify for the Australian Open Championship, Maria Sharapova February stood in the WTA computer already on the 153-meter spot. 

In may, won another ITF tournament in Sea Island (United States) – and again, now at Roland Garrose, made its way through the qualification in the main draw of the tournament Grand Slam series.