Russian tennis icon and five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova turned 32 on April 19, 2019. Known as the “Siberian Siren,” Sharapova has dazzled the world not only with her achievements on the court but also with her striking presence off it.
Born on April 19, 1987, in Russia, Sharapova moved to the United States in 1994 with her father, Yuri, who helped shape her early tennis career. A year later, she earned a scholarship to the prestigious Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida—an academy that has produced stars like Andre Agassi, Serena Williams, and Venus Williams.
Sharapova’s breakthrough moment came in 2004 when, at just 17, she stunned the world by defeating Serena Williams to claim the Wimbledon title. The following year, she became the first Russian woman to be ranked World No. 1. Over the years, she added more Grand Slam victories to her name: the 2006 US Open, the 2008 Australian Open, and the French Open in both 2012 and 2014.
Her fame extended beyond tennis. She was Yahoo’s most searched athlete in 2005 and 2008, and in 2007, FHM ranked her as the 7th most eligible bachelorette. With her charisma and striking looks, she carved out a parallel career as a global style icon and model, making her one of the most marketable athletes in the world. Forbes even listed her as the 8th Most Marketable Female Athlete in 2018.
However, Sharapova’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. In 2016, she tested positive for a banned substance, leading to a suspension from professional tennis. The ban was later reduced to 15 months after it was determined she had been taking the medication under a doctor’s advice. She made her comeback in April 2017 at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
Through her highs and lows, Sharapova has remained one of the most recognizable and admired figures in sports. Her combination of grit, glamour, and global appeal continues to cement her legacy as both a tennis champion and an international icon.
