gary speed photo: Maria Sharapova PowerPoint Background

Maria Yuryevna Sharapova (Russian Мария Юрьевна Шарапова) is the most famous Russian female professional tennis player and former World No.1. She was born in April 19, 1987 in Nyagan, Russia. She is right-handed and plays with a two-handed backhand.

Sharapova has won 23 WTA singles titles, including 3 Grand Slam singles titles at the 2004 Wimbledon, 2006 US Open and 2008 Australian Open. She made her professional breakthrough in 2004 when at age 17 defeated defending champion Serena Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon final and won her first Grand Slam singles title.

The WTA (short for Women’s Tennis Association) ranked her World No.1 on August 22, 2005 and currently she ranked World No.6.

On June 30, 2011 at Wimbledon, Sharapova has successfully entered semifinals. Will she once again stand on the top of Wimbledon in 2011?

Height/Weight: 188cm/59kg | Birth date: 04/19/1987 | Birthplace: Nyagan, Russia | Country: Russia | Resides: Bradenton, Florida, USA | Plays: R (two-handed backhand) | Turned Pro: | Tour: WTA