When she was four years old, Maria Sharapova was watching former Russian tennis champion, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, practice. The champion’s father gave the pretty child a tennis racket. Little did Mr. Kafelnikov know the impact that gift would have upon the world of tennis, the world of fashion and the world of sporting equipment. Maria embraced the game of tennis immediately and now the tennis world follows her every move.

By the age of six, her progress was so remarkable that she was invited to perform at a tennis clinic. Coincidentally, famed tennis professional Martina Navratilova stopped by to watch. Martina was astounded at the ability of the six year old. She immediately spoke with Maria’s father, Yuri Sharapova, and insisted that encouraged him to contact the world-renowned Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida. This recommendation was later reinforced by the Russian Federation.

At the age of seven Maria and Yuri landed in Florida. Yuri had $1,000 to his name. Maria’s mother, Yelena, was forced to stay in Russia, but Yuri took various odd jobs and went about supporting his daughter’s career. The Sports Management Company, IMG, agreed to sponsor Maria and paid the $35,000 entry fee to the Bollettieri Tennis Academy. At age 9, Maria moved into the Academy’s dormitory and began her serious tennis training.

Two years later, her mother was finally permitted to leave Russia and join her family. While the Academy provided tennis instruction, Yelena provided educational instruction. Maria Sharapova has never had formal education. Just recently Maria completed her high school degree online. At age 20, Maria’s accomplishments are remarkable, but pale in comparison to her life’s journey.

Maria was born on April 17, 1987 in Nyagan, a small town in the Siberian district of Russia. Two years later, the Sharapova family moved to the town of Sochi, near the Black Sea.

Maria’s rise through the tennis ranks officially began when she joined the junior circuit in 2001. In that first year, she recorded 25 victories and 3 losses. She claimed tournament titles in Sacramento, Hilton Head and in the Czech Republic at Pilsen. Tennis enthusiasts began to take note.

When Maria posted 26 victories and suffered only three losses in the 2002 season and again won three junior titles at Vancouver, Peachtree and in Gunma, Japan, it was clear that she was ready for the next level. Gradually she received invites to professional tour events. In her very first professional tournament at Indian Wells at the age of 15, Maria raised some eyebrows by knocking off Monica Seles in the second round. Maria completed 2002 with a WTA ranking of 186.

Having completed her junior training, Maria Sharapova took her power game on the road, literally. She posted 34 wins and 11 losses in that first very impressive year. Included in her 2003 victories were tournament championships in Quebec City and at the Japan Open. Playing with Tamarine Tanasugarn, Maria also established a reputation as an excellent doubles player, winning two doubles tournaments at Luxembourg and again at the Japan Open. Sharapova’s most notable women’s singles accomplishment was reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon where she defeated both the 11th and 21st seeds along the way. Maria’s ranking jumped from 186th to 32nd. Players and fans alike could see that it was just a matter of time before Maria became a force on the women’s tour. Not only did Maria have game, but she lent a statuesque beauty and grace to her remarkably powerful play.

2004 was a breakout year for Maria. At age 17 and seeded 13th, she won the first of her three Grand Slam events by stunning the world with her finals victory over defending champion Serena Williams at Wimbledon. The 6’2” 135 pound beauty became the third youngest female champion and first Russian singles winner at this prestigious event. 2004 was filled with other successes. Maria championed five events and topped the prize money list for the year. She finished the year with a world ranking of number 4.

Maria had rapidly risen in the ranks. She was primarily known as a baseline power player who used deep shots and had the ability to take advantage of angled shots on short returns. Maria is known for her big service game. Although troubled by a nagging shoulder injury in 2007, she has refined her service stroke and has returned to form, double faulting only 17 times in her run to the championship in the 2008 Australian Open. As her game has progressed, Maria added the drop shot and a feared backhand slice to her repertoire. Maria has also worked on conditioning and has dramatically improved her speed and footwork. As a result, her game is well suited for the fast playing hard surfaces and grass courts. Maria has not fared as well on clay, where she has won only once. Meanwhile, she has claimed 18 fast court championships.

Maria began 2005 with a semifinal loss to eventual Australian Open Champion Serena Williams. In that match she was unable to convert three match point opportunities. She lost in the quarterfinals on clay at the French Open and lost to eventual champion Venus Williams in the semifinals at Wimbledon. Sharapova arrived at the U.S. Open as the respected number one seed. Although she was defeated by Kim Clijisters in the semifinals, she finished the year as the world’s fourth ranked player. Maria Sharapova was the first Russian woman to hold that lofty position. At the same time, People Magazine named Maria as one of the world’s 50 most beautiful celebrities soon after her 18th birthday.

As good as Maria was in 2005, she improved further in 2006. In the early part of the year, she suffered an injury and her performances were not up to standard. As the year progressed and her health improved her wins mounted. She arrived at the U.S Open as the number 2 seed. Maria defeated the world’s number one ranked player, Amelie Mauresmo, 6-0, 4-6, 6-0 in the semifinals before defeating Justine Henin in the finals. Coupled with her four other championships in 2006, Maria emerged as the world’s number two ranked player. As a well recognized face and figure, Maria’s endorsements reached new levels. Maxim magazine named Sharapova the “hottest” professional athlete for the fourth straight year in 2006.

2007 was a difficult year for Maria. Following her loss to Serena Williams in the Australian Open, she reclaimed the number one world ranking. However, she suffered a serious shoulder injury in the early Spring. Her service game faltered and she managed to win only one event during the year. Her ranking fell to fifth but marked the fourth consecutive year she finished in the top five. Maria continued to be a busy young lady. Forbes magazine listed her as the world’s highest paid female professional athlete.

During the off season, her shoulder healed and she regained her form. Maria sprinted to the championship at the Australian Open, becoming the first Russian woman to win the event. By the time she claimed her third Grand Slam, Maria had not lost a set in the tournament. Shortly afterwards, she also claimed her only clay court title. Troubled by her recurring shoulder problems, Maria played a limited 2008 schedule but still finished the year ranked sixth.

In her tennis career, Maria has earned $12, 169,281. She has become one of the world’s most recognized celebrities. The 2006 Sport Illustrated bathing suit issue featured a six page spread with Maria clad in various bikinis. Her endorsements include a substantial contract with Nike sportswear. Maria has many other well-deserved promotional responsibilities.

Following her third round loss the 2007 U.S. Open, Maria posted the following message on her web log. “I know it’s tough for my fans to handle my losses as it is for me. But, let me point something out. I didn’t leave my mom at the age of seven for nothing. I didn’t spend six hours a day practicing in the Florida sun at the age of nine for nothing… I didn’t sleep in little cots for three years, eating oatmeal out of a packet while playing in the middle of nowhere for nothing. All this has helped me build character. And there’s no better asset than being able to stand up for yourself.”

Maria Sharapova has created a charitable foundation to benefit disadvantaged children throughout the world. This foundation is intended to address the needs of “At Risk” children and help these youngsters realize their potential. Maria Sharapova is a fine example of that ideal. Through hard work and a determination to succeed, this shy, introverted, modestly educated young woman has risen to the top of her sport and life. She remains one of the last real role models.