Sharapova reveals background



Related Articles Sharapova reaches final Serena outlasts Mauresmo

Jul 3, 2004

She fled Chernobyl as a child, loves driving and is soon to be a millionaire who doesn't care about money.

These were the titbits Maria Sharapova dished out on the eve of the Wimbledon women's final to a fascinated public hungry for information about the blonde teenager who has taken the All England Club by storm.

The Siberian-born teenager, who left her homeland for Florida as a seven-year-old, plays American Serena Williams for the grand slam title on Saturday.

An intriguing mix of sex appeal and prodigious talent, Sharapova dislikes comparisons to original Russian tennis pin-up Anna Kournikova and aside from their stunning looks their careers have little in common.

While Kournikova has faded to the fringes of the competitive tennis scene still without a tournament win, Sharapova can already boast three titles and on Saturday will become the second-youngest Wimbledon finalist since tennis turned professional.

Only Martina Hingis was a younger when she won the title aged 16 in 1997.

Sharapova has downplayed her cover girl image and tried to place the focus on her play, but her lithe form already graces newspapers and magazines and is soon likely to be found endorsing dozens of products.

"I don't pay attention to that at all," said Sharapova, whose off court distractions include a modelling contract with IMG. "I never consider myself a pin-up. I never will.

"I don't think about money. I just think that I'm in the final of Wimbledon."

The first Russian since Olga Morozova in 1974 to reach the final, over the Wimbledon fortnight tennis fans have become entranced by all things Sharapova.

Each day new Sharapova websites pop up online selling Maria Sharapova products, while her journey from her hometown of Nyagan in western Siberia to Wimbledon Centre Court is being described as a fairy tale in her native Russia.

"I never really close my eyes and dream of it," said Sharapova, when asked if she ever dreamed about winning a grand slam title. "But I have always dreamed of it.

"Of course you think about it.

"You never expect things to happen now. It's future dreams."

17 year old in tomorrows final. Kournikova's younger rival.

1 posted on 07/02/2004 5:17:23 PM PDT by Slicksadick

2 posted on 07/02/2004 5:19:40 PM PDT by Slicksadick (He's French. His hairdresser also grooms poodles. He's a rich woman's pet. That cover's it)

Just slightly more innocent than Kournikova.

3 posted on 07/02/2004 5:22:51 PM PDT by Slicksadick (He's French. His hairdresser also grooms poodles. He's a rich woman's pet. That cover's it)

With Kournikova or Spears, you can catch a disease just looking at them.

4 posted on 07/02/2004 5:27:13 PM PDT by A CA Guy (God Bless America, God bless and keep safe our fighting men and women.)

This lass will lose, if lucky she will go to three, but I doubt it.

6 posted on 07/02/2004 5:27:58 PM PDT by A CA Guy (God Bless America, God bless and keep safe our fighting men and women.)

I believe this is the same player who looked shockingly thin recently, spurring rumors about anorexia. I myself chimed in that she looked terrible, and needed to get some help.

Well, she looks pretty healthy now. I'd like to thank her for proving me wrong.

7 posted on 07/02/2004 5:32:11 PM PDT by zoyd (Hi, I'm with the government. We're going to make you like your neighbor.)

This lass will lose, if lucky she will go to three, but I doubt it.

I wouldn't count her out that quickly.

She's a rooskie...and she's hungry.

8 posted on 07/02/2004 5:32:42 PM PDT by evad (What's BAD for democRATs is GOOD for America)

These were the titbits Maria Sharapova dished out on the eve of the Wimbledon women's final

Ummmmmm . . . . .

I'm sorry. It's Friday evening.

9 posted on 07/02/2004 5:34:11 PM PDT by Hank Rearden (Refuse to let anyone who could only get a government job tell you how to run your life.)

This lass will lose, if lucky she will go to three, but I doubt it.

Probably, but "she's got game", that's for sure.

The "eye candy" is a bonus.

Seriesly.

10 posted on 07/02/2004 5:35:26 PM PDT by Mister Baredog ((Part of the Reagan legacy is to re-elect G.W. Bush))

To: Hank Rearden

A little bit goes a long way.

11 posted on 07/02/2004 5:36:48 PM PDT by Larry Lucido

To: Mister Baredog

i watched some of that match today, her outfit was so revealing, the camera operator had to struggle not to get a revealing cleavage shot when she bent over to setup to receive the serve. Anna K may have just seen her career destroyed.

13 posted on 07/02/2004 5:39:02 PM PDT by oceanview

It's hard to keep your innocence with all the cameras focused on you, but she looks like a nice, healthy, clean-cut girl. Long may she stay that way.

14 posted on 07/02/2004 5:43:15 PM PDT by Cicero (Marcus Tullius)

Hmmm...

"Slicksadick" is interested in the machinations of the Kournikova sisters?(!)

Verrrry Interrrresting.

15 posted on 07/02/2004 5:43:24 PM PDT by The Scourge of Yazid ("Sanity is a madness put to good use." (Santayana.)

She wasn't wearing a bra.

16 posted on 07/02/2004 5:43:34 PM PDT by libstripper

Marv Albert:

YEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!

17 posted on 07/02/2004 5:44:52 PM PDT by The Scourge of Yazid ("Sanity is a madness put to good use." (Santayana.)

that kind of courage must be rewarded. she must win tomorrow.

18 posted on 07/02/2004 5:45:18 PM PDT by oceanview

To: The Scourge of Yazid

problem is, Marv is wearing a bra.

19 posted on 07/02/2004 5:45:40 PM PDT by oceanview

To: Mister Baredog

I saw the Williams sisters in exhibitions when they were 7 & 9. Many times since then as pros.
I don't doubt Sharpova has game, she just doesn't have what it takes to take on Serena at this time.

The William sisters are both terrific athletes. Their limitations and successes have are both attributed to their style of play and physiques.

Both made too many un-needed ballistic movements with their feet, so they've unnecessarily caused IMO some permanent limited damage to their knees, ankles, arms and shoulders.
The reason I say this is having played myself for decades, you don't hit out 110% and full out take a rip of a first step unless it is needed.

These girls have thrashed their bodies.
Their dad gave them drive, but he is far from a good coach IMO and they never learned to be smart with their bodies from their dad.

Notice both miss long periods of time off from the pro tour. It's injury that is doing that and not their desire to create fashions for amazonian women.

I think the Williams sisters and Sharpova all have titles ahead of them and they will be fun to watch.

I think Serena will win.

20 posted on 07/02/2004 5:45:46 PM PDT by A CA Guy (God Bless America, God bless and keep safe our fighting men and women.)

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