Maria Sharapova: Inspirational Journey of a Legend

Success was never easy for anyone, even every success has a long history of failures. Until or unless we know the struggle of a particular personality, we often think people have become stars overnight. Challenges are the part of journey to success.

We are discussing about the struggle or challenges, Maria faced during her journey. Sharapova is considered as one of the best tennis player of the generation. Maria Sharapova is a former World no. 1 Tennis Star from Russia. She is one of the ten women, who has won the Grand Slam Title. Maria has also won silver in women’s single in London Olympics in 2012.

Maria Sharapova Early Life

Maria Sharapova was born on 19 April 1987, in Nyagan, Russian SFSR. Her parents, Yuri Sharapova and Yelena left their home land before Maria was born. They were concerned about regional effects of Chernobyl nuclear accident.

Maria’s father, Yuri, befriended Aleksandr Kafelnicov, whose son was the winner of two Grand Slam single’s title and the first Russian World no. 1 Tennis Player. When Maria was just 4, Aleksandr gifted her first racquet. Thereafter, Maria started practicing with her father at local park regularly. Veteran Russian coach Yuri Yutkin gave her first tennis lesson as he was very impressed seeing her playing.

He was noticing the hand-eye coordination. At the age of 6, Maria attended a tennis clinic in Moscow run by former professional tennis player Martina Navratilova. She recommended her professional training under Nick Bollettieri in IMG Acadamy in Florida.

Financial condition of her family was very tight. None of them was able to speak English. It was almost impossible for her father to send her Florida for professional training. But finally they decided to move in 1994. Yuri Sharapova borrowed that much amount so that Maria and Yuri may go to the place, as visa restrictions prevented her mother to join them for two years.

When they reached America, they were having just $700. Her father had to do various low paying and odd jobs for to fund Maria’s lessons. Finally IMG signed agreed to pay annual tuition fees of $35000 for Maria to stay at Academy and allowed her to enroll at the age of 9.

Maria’s Journey towards World’s No. 1 Women Tennis Player

Maria Sharapova got fame at the age of 13 by winning Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championship. She was given a special distinction, the rising star Award, given to only players of exceptional promise. Maria made her professional debut in 2001 on her 14th birthday on 19 April playing her first WTA tournament in 2002.

She was the youngest girl ever to reach the Australian Open Junior Championship at the age of 14 years 9 months. Maria Sharapova won three junior singles tournaments and was runner up at five including two junior Grand Slams. She made her debuts in both Australian and French Open but failed to win a single match.

Maria won third title of her career at Wimbledon warm-up DFS classic. Sharapova defeated Serena Williams to win her first Grand Slam single Title in 2004 and became third youngest woman to win the Wimbledon title. Maria also became second Russian woman to win a Gran Slam singles title. This victory was hailed by media as “the most stunning upset in memory”. Serena Williams was a very big name and a very tough competitor at that time.

With this victory she entered in top 10 raking for the first time and given her a huge popularity. Maria became the first Asian and Russian woman to hold World No. 1 ranking on 22 Aug 2005 which lasted only one week. She once again reclaimed World No. 1 ranking on 12 Dec 2005. This time ranking could last for six weeks. She had to play a few matches in different tournaments and got injured leading to loss of No. 1 ranking.

Inspirational Message From Maria Sharapova’s Struggle Story

The whole career of Maria Sharapova is full of inspirational lessons. She along with her family faced many challenges but emerged out as a winner. Maria once again reminds us, despite the challenges and adversities, success is possible. Her father played most important role in making her career. This is the story of crazy adventure of father and a daughter.

People can take away good lessons from the story. We suggest parents to know about inspirational story of father and a daughter. One small gift (Tennis racquet) and parent’s support changed the life of a girl child and made her a super star. Otherwise, Maria Sharapova would have lived their life in poverty without any recognition.

Her father’s vision was clear and never lost a chance to help her child. With help of this article, we are trying to convince the parents, supports your kids. There may be a future super star in your family.