Maria saraprova’s story is one of sacrifice, focus and extraordinary talent.

Maria Yuryevna Sharapova was born 19 April 1987.

When Sharapova was seven, she and her father moved from their life of poverty in Russia to the United States, to enroll in the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy.

Russian professional tennis player and three time Grand Slam singles champion.

Sharapova won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17.

Saraprova lost all five Grand Slam semifinals.

She ultimately won her second Grand Slam title at the 2006 US Open.

She won her third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in early 2008

She won World No. 1 ranking in the year 2008.

Her shoulder needed surgery in October 2008. Sharapova was away from the sport for ten months until May 2009, which caused her ranking to drop out of the top 100. Since returning, Sharapova's ranking has recovered to within the top 15.

In November 2000, 13-year-old Maria exploded onto the world tennis stage with an impressive win in the Girls' 16-and-under Eddie Herr Championships.