We filled you in with the 32 awesome facts we showed you about Maria Sharapova in our parts one through four articles, and now we have finally returned with part five! Read on to discover all that you are missing out on about this Russian tennis goddess! Don’t forget to check back for our final coming article, part six, to see the remaining top nine awesome facts that you never learned about Maria Sharapova!
Number Eighteen: Maria Sharapova Heads to America
In 1994, Maria and her father finally left the comfort of their home to head to Miami and pursue her dream. At this time, she was only eight years old.
Number Seventeen: Starting Small
When they finally made it to Miami, the family had to start small. They didn’t have a whole lot to their name and didn’t even speak English. They came here only with $700, borrowed from Sharapova’s grandparents, and a dream.
Number Sixteen: Smelling Good
As any young woman does, Sharapova has a love of perfume fragrances. Her favorites are Stella McCartney and, of course, her own brand. We bet she needs it after her big matches!
Number Fifteen: A Love of Literature
The young woman grew up as a strong reader, and always had an appreciation for books. She claims that her favorites are Sherlock Holmes and Pippi Longstocking.
Number Fourteen: Informal Education
The goal was to enroll the young girl into a tennis academy; however, they later learned that she was much too young. Instead, Sharapova’s father just worked small jobs here and there and decided to coach her himself.
Number Thirteen: Mom Joins the Family
The two set out for Miami unaccompanied by the girl’s mother, mainly because she was unable to attain a Visa. In 1996, she was finally accepted and joined her family.
Number Twelve: Showing Potential
When in Miami, her great skill finally became recognized. She received a full scholarship to the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. This academy is renowned for its successes, having trained stars like Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, and the Williams sisters.
Number Eleven: Breaking Records
The young Sharapova proved to be so talented that her skills got her recognized by the age of 15. In the year 2002, she became the youngest person in history to reach the finals in the Australian Open junior tournament.
Number Ten: Winning for Russia
Still breaking records, Sharapova brought herself another distinctive title. She became the first Russian woman to win the Wimbledon Grand Slam. Don’t forget to check back for our final coming article, part six, to see the remaining top nine awesome facts that you never learned about Maria Sharapova!