Date of Birth: April 19, 1987

Birthplace: Nyagan, Russia (Siberian Region)

Residence: Bradenton, Florida, USA

Nationality: Russian

Height: 5'9'' (1.75 m)

Weight: 112 lbs. (50.8 kg)

Plays: Right-handed

Maria Sharapova was born on April 19, in Nyagan, in the Siberian region of Russia, coincidentally on the same day the Soviet Union carries out an underground nuclear test.

Maria has been labeled as a power baseliner by tennis critics and fans. She is noted for having an excellent double-handed backhand and serves, particularly for the power and placement of these shots.

She is also noted for having a good forehand. Likewise, critics claim that for her height, Sharapova has decent agility on-court. Being an offensive player, Sharapova is usually able to overpower her opponents or keep them on the run with sharp angles from the baseline.

2003 - In the year she was voted one of the "coolest girls" in America,Maria Sharapova rapidly rises up the rankings. She makes her grand slam debut in the Australian Open and also qualifies for the French Open. Then, after reaching the semi-finals at Edgbaston, she progresses to the fourth round at Wimbledon, the best-ever performance by a female wild card. Maria Sharapova wins her first titles on the WTA tour - in Japan and Quebec - and ends the year ranked 32.

"My drive and determination comes from my Russian blood," says the 16-year-old, now attracting attention for her glamour as well as her game. However, despite her fashion photo-shoots she rejects any comparison with another Russian, Anna Kournikova.

2004 - Coached by her father and Robert Lansdorp, who has also worked with Pete Sampras and Lindsay Davenport,Maria Sharapova goes from strength to strength, reaching the third round of the Australian Open before losing to another Russian, Anastasia Myskina.

CAREER TITLES:

Singles

• 2008: Australian Open
• 2008: Qatar Total Open
• 2008: Bausch & Lomb Championships
• 2007: Acura Classic
• 2006: Pacific Life Open
• 2006: Acura Classic
• 2006: US Open
• 2006: Zurich Open
• 2005: Toray Pan Pacific Open
• 2005: Qatar Total Open
• 2005: DFS Classic
• 2004: DFS Classic
• 2004: Wimbledon
• 2004: Hansol Korea Open
• 2004: AIG Japan Open Tennis Championships
• 2004: WTA Tour Championships
• 2003: Japan Open
• 2003: Bell Challenge