FACTOIDS
Full Name: Maria Sharapova
Nickname: Masha
Birthday: April 19, 1987
Height: 6'2"
Hometown: Nyagan, Russia
Sports: Tennis
PROFILE
Maria Yuryevna Sharapova is a Russian professional tennis player and a former World No. 1. As of 29 October 2007, she is the sixth-ranked female player in the world. At the end of 2006, she was the world's highest-paid female athlete.
Her family name in English is often stressed on third syllable (Sharapóva), whereas the original Russian is stressed on the second syllable (Sharápova).
Sharapova has won two Grand Slam singles titles. She is a former U.S. Open champion, having defeated Justine Henin in the final of the 2006 U.S. Open. Two years earlier, she defeated Serena Williams in the final at Wimbledon.
In 2006 Sharapova signed a lifetime endorsment deal with Prince Sports, Inc., a longtime sponsor of Sharapova. She currently plays with the O3 White racquet.
