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Maria Sharapova(Source- Sports Mirchi)
There have been some iconic tennis players in the world of tennis regardless of being an ATP or WTA player. The WTA has seen a lot of iconic legends in the game that we can never forget. Be it the likes of Steffi Graf, Martina Hingis or the William sisters. All these players have been one of the most iconic players in the world of Tennis that we have come across. These were evidently one of the great moments in tennis that we have come to know.
Apart from these legendary figures, there is another iconic figure in tennis who entered the world on this very day. She was none other than the Russian powerhouse Maria Sharapova. Who would have thought that a girl born in a small town in Nyagan would surprise everyone on the biggest stage of the game? This has really been a story that shows not only what the game of tennis brings to you, but also what the world of sports does as well. It is safe to say that the Russians have produced something special for the game.
The career that changed the game completely
It all started in 1993 when the six-year-old sensation was introduced to one of the best coaches in tennis, Nick Boltieri by the legendary Martina Navratilova. Her journey then started as one of the youngest-ever junior players making her debut at the age of just 13. In just 3 years Sharapova made a difference by finally becoming a professional player at the age of 16. The first year was slightly quiet for the young player where she did not really feature a lot in the major singles, but still went on to win some WTA titles in Japan and Quebec City.
The rise to the top
It was the following year when the 17-year-old made a huge difference after making her way into the top 20 after beating some high-seeded individuals in the season such as Anastasia Myskina and Tatiana Golovin. However, history was still about to be made as she went on to feature in the 2004 Wimbledon. Sharapova had already made history by reaching the knockouts of the tournament already. She was still not done there as she went on to beat higher-seeded and top-ranked players in Ai Sugiyama and Lindsay Davenports, but still, no one expected a 17-year-old to win the trophy as she was up against one of the best in the world in Serena Williams who was the world number 1. Not only did the Russian beat the legend in two straight sets but became the 4th youngest player to win a grand slam at the age of 17 years and 75 days.
The story was not finished there as Sharapova came back next year to achieve the world number 1 ranking in WTA becoming only the 5th youngest player to do so. This has overall been one of the best careers in tennis which consisted of 36 single titles and 5 grand slams which included one Wimbledon in 2004, the US Open in 2006, the Australian Open in 2008 and two French Opens in 2012 and 2014. It was a career that was filled with some of the most surprising results we have ever seen and today is the time we celebrate the Russian legend of achieving and doing the unthinkable in the game.