Maria Sharapova

Sobre Maria Sharapova

Maria Yuryevna Sharapova is a Russian and American entrepreneur and former professional tennis player who reached the world No. 1 ranking. Between 2001 and 2020, she competed extensively on the WTA Tour, holding the top singles position for 21 weeks according to the Women's Tennis Association. Among her career achievements is membership in an exclusive group of ten women who have captured all four major tennis championships. At the 2012 London Olympics, she secured a silver medal in the women's singles competition. Throughout her tennis career, she established herself as one of the generation's most formidable competitors. On 22 August 2005, at just 18 years old, Sharapova claimed the world No. 1 ranking, making her the first Russian woman to reach this milestone. She maintained this position until 8 July 2012. Her Grand Slam victories included five titles, with two triumphs at the French Open and single victories at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Overall, she accumulated 36 titles, including a year-end championship won during her first appearance in 2004, along with three doubles titles. Despite representing Russia in WTA competition, she has resided in the United States as a permanent resident since 1994. At the 2016 Australian Open, Sharapova tested positive for meldonium following a drug test. This substance had recently been added to the banned list by the World Anti-Doping Agency as of 1 January 2016. The International Tennis Federation suspended her for two years on 8 June 2016. However, on 4 October 2016, the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduced this suspension to 15 months starting from the original test date, determining she had committed "no significant fault" and had used the substance "based on a doctor's recommendation… with good faith belief that it was appropriate and compliant with the relevant rules". She resumed competing on the WTA Tour on 26 April 2017 at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Beyond her athletic pursuits, Sharapova has built a substantial modeling career, including publication in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She has appeared in advertising campaigns for Nike, Prince, and Canon, and served as ambassador for various fashion brands, particularly Cole Haan. Since February 2007, she has worked as a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on Chernobyl Recovery and Development Programme initiatives. Time magazine included her among its "30 Legends of Women's Tennis: Past, Present and Future" in June 2011, and Tennis Channel named her one of the "100 Greatest of All Time" in March 2012. Forbes credited her as the world's highest-paid female athlete