Biography

Born April 19, 1987 is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player and the world's highest-paid female athlete.

Sharapova has won two Grand Slam singles titles during her career. She is the reigning U.S. Open champion, winning the 2006 title over Justine Henin-Hardenne. Two years earlier, she won the 2004 Wimbledon Championships over Serena Williams

Sharapova's parents are originally from Gomel, Belarus, and moved to Siberia, Russia in 1986, after the Chernobyl nuclear accident. She was born in Nyagan, Russia, the following year.

At age 7, Sharapova was brought to the United States by her father to attend the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Her mother followed a few years later.

Maria has been rumored to be dating fellow tour player Andy Roddick, though Roddick asserts that the two are just friends. Roddick and Sharapova have been referred to as "Rodapova" by Page Six of the New York Post.

Sharapova has lived in the United States since she was a child, but retains Russian citizenship.

Sharapova recently purchased a beach-front home in Manhattan Beach, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. The majority of the year, she can be found living close to her training facility (IMG) in Longboat Key, Fl.

At 19, Sharapova has yet to finish high school.

Endorsements

Following her Wimbledon victory in 2004, Sharapova signed a one-year deal with automobile manufacturer, Honda, but the deal was only in Japan.

Land Rover - In April 2006 Sharapova signed a three-year deal to endorse their vehicles. One source with knowledge of the deal said it was worth approximately $2 million a year. Sharapova gets a free Land Rover Range Rover Sport in Florida and a chauffeured Land Rover Discovery wherever she wants.

Motorola - a fee, plus a mobile phone and all her mobile phone bills paid, plus a share of the income of downloads from HelloMoto/Maria. Was criticized by some members of the American press for holding a RAZR to her ear at roughly the same time her father was seen talking on a similar phone, as this may have violated the USTA's no sideline-coaching rule.[9]

Gatorade - energy drink

TAG Heuer - In December 2004, she signed a deal with Swiss sports watch TAG Heuer to become their latest "sport and glamour" ambassador.

Nike Inc. - Sharapova been known to wear somewhat eccentric or revealing outfits from Nike on court, best exemplified by a Breakfast at Tiffany's-inspired dress at the 2006 US Open, which many mocked for its use of sequins and seemingly futuristic neckline. She also has been featured in several Nike marketing campaigns, including one ad in 2006 that had her walking through Arthur Ashe Stadium while everyone around her sings "I Feel Pretty" until she returns a serve with her trademark loud grunt.

Prince Sports, Inc.

Canon Inc. - Sharapova promotes both their office and camera products.

Maria Sharapova