Arrange a show for two with Myskina. 2004

Arrange a show for two with Myskina.   Maria Sharapova was in the fourth round of the Tournament Pacific Life Open in Indian Wells

 where he will meet with Anastasia Myskina. Immediately after the fight with Cecil Karatanchevoy Bulgarian Russian tennis player responded to questions from reporters.
- You were the first four rounds in the tournament, the first level.- Thanks, I did not know (smiling).
- You have now had crazy mood. Why this desire to break her opponent?- Sorry, I do not quite understand the question.
- Desire, with whom you came to the court - the only reason for your victory?- I always go for a game with a positive charge, trying to win. And I do not care who will be my opponent. Yes, the game was really "merry", but now we have to forget about it and think about how to get to the next round. I'm looking forward to it eagerly. I made only a small step, going into the next round. You can see how I was inspired by this victory. I know now Myskina loses, but I believe that she can pull out a match (since it happened. After losing the first set, Myskina managed to still beat Venezuelan Maria Vento-Kabchi - approx. "Gazety.Ru). With great looking forward to meeting her.
- Show that you spent half the set, to find his game. This is due to the fact that you were nervous in the first set, or for some other reason?- You're right. True, I am not nervous, but I think that from my side had a lot of haste. For some reason I was trying to quickly win its filing, too hurried, but this should not have to do. But then, in the second set, I calmed down and began to play the game slower. You know, I said to myself: "Hey, you're wrong to play the last one and a half set. Why do not you change the style of play? "It did, and the match went according to my scenario.
- You hit a game opponent in some components? She has a great backhand, and it is even a decent move.- Yes, it's actually a great tennis player for his young age. I have no doubt that she has a great future. I think that backhand is her main weapon.
- The impression that you're trying not to let her beat on the left.- Now I understand that at first, especially in the first set, I have too often provided her the opportunity. And so I have a few that worked. I tried to do on the court, something unusual, which strongly interfered with my game. Then I said to myself: "Did you know that even losing a set? You need to change my game a bit, otherwise you lose the whole match. " And then I started to play stronger and more confident.
- You have a lot of time out on court against the world-famous tennis players in the role of a young girl has excellent prospects. Today you played with the younger tennis player, serving as your "victim". What is the difference between a situation where you feel "hunter" and when you pursue as a "victim"?- I actually felt older and more experienced young Bulgarians. I perfectly understand her condition, as indeed before I had to be provided in such situations. In such a match has its own peculiarities. When you are known to be a weaker opponent, you should try to find their way to victory. It seems Karatancheva were close to what to feel for this way since the beginning of the match I was just overwhelmed her game. However, I found the strength and reverse the course of the meeting, having reached the result which is now before you. I went on.

- This experience will help you in the future?- Naturally. Regardless of whether your opponent is under or over, you strive adequately confront it and defeat it. The key is that you want to show the beautiful game that you have a taste for victory. Unfortunately we do not always enjoy my game, but sometimes, like today, it happens.
- In the fourth round, you are likely to meet with another Russian tennis player - Anastasia Myskina. You have already met with her in Australia and have had some problems in the third set. What is the difference between the upcoming meeting and the one that was in Australia?- Yes, I'm looking forward to the next match. Of course you know that we are good friends with Nastia, we are bound by a very warm relationship. But I do not like to lose twice to the same person. Therefore, the struggle will be desperate. I'm sure we'll have a great show.
Prepared by Edward Birov © Herald13.03.2004

Screaming Cinderella Maria Sharapova

Screaming Cinderella Maria Sharapova

   Maria Sharapova won the Open Championship in Japan in tennis in 2003
In the finale of a representative of the tournament in Tokyo, with a prize fund of 860,000 dollars Russian citizen, whose business card is screaming while batting, beat Hungary's Aniko Kaprosh athlete with a score of 2:6, 6:2, 7:6, (7:5 ).
After that stands for fifteen minutes did not give our athlete to withdraw from the court, made a real ovation.
Apparently, the fans were aware that this victory was the first in the career of 16-year old Sharapova. Prior success in Japan, the best achievement of Mary was out in the semifinals of the tournament in Birmingham.
"In the world tennis has a new star and a new sex symbol -" a screaming Cinderella from Russia, "- this is a game of Russian athletes commented on the Japanese journalists.
Our reporter managed to contact a young champion, and she is very emotionally talked about his success:
- It's nice that won and won some serious prize - twenty-seven thousand dollars. I hope that this is only the first step toward a tennis Olympus, which I seriously voznamerilas climb. In general, you know ... I'm still after the quarter was sure it was my tournament.

- On what was built this confidence?
- I myself have asked myself: "Can you win?" and received an affirmative answer. I always say to myself that if played well today, then tomorrow I can play even better. Can call it auto-training. Helps a lot (laughs).

- Maria, you have often been compared to Kournikova, it does not bother you?
- Very funny, although if quite honestly, has recently become annoying. I want to reiterate that I do not want to be Kournikova number two. I'm going to play tennis and seek victory on the court. Demonstrate its advantages on the covers of magazines - not mine.

- But you also have tried as a Model. You do not have to work like?
- No, why. Simply, it should not interfere with the main goal - to become the first racket of the world.

- Is not it too high you killed a bar?
- No, you have to set only the super complex problem and try to solve them. This is my parents taught.

- You are not offended by the nickname "cried Cinderella?
- What is and is it? So let it be known.

- You spend most of their time in the U.S., but never thought to change citizenship?
- I always feel like a Russian, and I have one nationality - Russian. And what with the fact that half my life I have lived in the U.S.? There my tennis career developed very successfully. But all the same because I - Russian and I dedicate my victory to their Motherland.

Paul Peter
"Rossiyskaya Gazeta"
25.08.2003

A conversation with Maria Sharapova

    

   About Maria Sharapova in the tennis world talking after last year at age 14 she reached the finals of the junior tournament of the Australian Open. The same success has made Maria and six months later at Wimbledon, where the deciding match lost to Vera Dushevina Muscovite.Then we talked to Sharapova for the first time. Here are short excerpts from the interview:"- Before my parents lived in Gomel, Belarus. But shortly before the mother became pregnant with me, the Chernobyl accident occurred. Father changed jobs and moved to Siberia. There's a small town Niagan I was born - said Masha.
- When they began to play tennis?- In the four and a half years.
- In Siberia?- No, in Sochi, where we were by this time had moved.
- What do your parents do?- The Pope - the engineer. He always loved tennis and was familiar with his father Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Mom, while I was little, sitting in the house.
- His first coach remember?- Of course, it's Yuri Yutkin.
- At what age were in America?- Around 7 years old. "
For adult tournaments held under the auspices of the International Tennis Federation, Maria made her debut in 2001 - in Sarasota, where, however, lost in first round. But in the last year in Columbus, not even being in the WTA rankings, won at the start of an opponent, then part number 300 of the best in the world.In the season-2002 on account of its three titles were won by the tournaments ITF, - in the Japanese Gunma, Vancouver, Canada and the U.S. Peachtree City. And this year, Sharapova became a regularly try their hand at major competitions. In January last qualified for the Australian Open, in February, stood on the WTA computer, even at 153-m site in May, won another ITF tournament in Sea Island (USA) - again, this time at Roland Garros, made its way through the qualification tournament " Grand Slam. "Next began a series of tournaments on grass - covering, which is obtained from Sharapova's really nice. And in Birmingham, Mary "shot" for real - just beat the three "seeded" - Frenchwoman Nathalie Dechy (5), Swiss Marie-Gayane Mikaelian (11) and Elena Dementieva (1), then in the semifinals on a tiebreaker in the third Sete lost to Shinobu Asagi Japanese woman.
  Output in a great lightHowever, on the importance and popularity of the Wimbledon tournament is not like Birmingham. And it would not be a big mistake to say that this is where Sharapova was first published in a great light.That this should happen, it became clear even before the tournament when, arriving in London, almost all the Sunday newspapers, I found pictures of Mary with images of other tennis "models" - Daniel Gantuhovoy from Slovakia and Austrian Barbara Shetty.This is not surprising. In the West tennis - it's not just a sport, the intricacies of which, in fact, well-versed only units, but also a beautiful sight. And for many - and even big business. Therefore, "unwind" here, as a rule, not only great champions, but also just good players with good looks and a special charisma.Nothing criminal about that. Sport Management Act stipulates that a true star should look attractive from all sides. And the more stars - the better for tennis. However, most of us, the Russians do not understand this, because educated otherwise. Striking example - related to Anna Kournikova, which not only the West but also, for example, in China, many still adore.It would seem, Sharapova won the Wimbledon wild card deservedly so - after the success in Nottingham. However, the question arises: would provide the British Mary pass in the main draw, if not addressed seriously the company IMG? I am sure that there is, in fact call her a star in the truest sense of the word while it is impossible. But this, too - the rules of the game, which everyone agrees. Or almost everything.While Sharapova's managers are working with it competently. At Sharapovsky press conferences during the Wimbledon main hall of the press center was filled with almost as much as a champion, but before an international bunch of sharks pen Masha kept very directly, one might even say - artfully.Here are some of her answers at press conferences, which allow a great deal to understand the nature of young tennis players:
- Tried to you as a child to imitate someone from tennis?- No, although many are surprised. Of course, watching the matches of other players, I notices the strengths of their game: one - footwork, another - some blows. But the idol I ever had.
- Being a Russian woman on the passport, do you feel is actually an American?- It can not be denied, because half of my life I spent in America. At the same time, communicating with children who were born there, in the States, I felt between them and a big difference. In my heart I feel Russian.
- How do you explain the fact that Russia has recently appeared so many strong women's tennis?- Strength of character and desire to work to realize their talent.
Between Florida and CaliforniaExactly how Sharapova with her parents was in America, I find out before the end failed.It seems, at first it was tough. As reported by the weekly WTA Tour, to the daughter was able to train in Bradenton, her father does not easily get a work visa in the U.S., and his mother, staying in Russia, has not seen his daughter for two years. Requesting agent Mary to an interview with her came her father Yuri Sharapov, about which I was told as a fairly sociable person, I heard in reply that it is unlikely to succeed. It just happened. And wanted to talk - at least to find out where the city Niagan that for all his efforts this writer could not find on the map.    However, judging by what she said tennis at press conferences, accompanies her father only in tournaments. Work well with Sharapova Michael Baros and Robert Lansdorp, a renowned expert from California. There she, apparently, spends about half the time allocated for training. Constantly Mary still lives in Florida - in Bradenton near the Bollettieri Academy.Hardly anyone would argue that Sharapova - a product of the American school of tennis.But the product is very, very good quality. She has a good feed, the first phase which resembles the motion of Pete Sampras, and excellent smashing blows to the back line.Provided Maria and her loud moans. With all the force sending the ball to the other half of the court, she, according to the gravest The Sunday Times, makes sounds loudness of 100 decibels. (Incidentally, this record at Wimbledon. When Monica Seles beats instruments recorded 93.7 decibels, and current stars in comparison with them at all demure. Index Serena Williams - 88 decibels, Jennifer Capriati - 86, Venus Williams - 85, Lindsay Davenport - 84 .) some of its rivals such sound annoying, but most have become accustomed to it.While one can only guess how things will emerge from Maria in the future, although it is clear that further progress it needs to work hard. Especially on the game at the net. On this occasion, by the way, during Wimbledon, Martina Navratilova spoke.- If you want to learn how to kick the ball to bounce, then you definitely should go to Bollettieri. But I have not seen yet not a single person who came back, having a flawless pitch and putt in the summer - said the great American.However, now appear on Sharapova has a far greater impact Lansdorp, featuring special scrutiny in the training process.- Robert will ask you to execute any element of a thousand times until you bring it to automatic.I remember how he was with me for 50 minutes at a time doing just blows right. Many young girls, such work brings to tears, but it seems that Sharapova does not apply to them. I heard that Mary speaks about Robert as the only man who can make her work hard. And in that you can not doubt, - said Lindsay Davenport, who had to deal with Lansdorp.It would be wrong to expect that it will very soon take off, for example, the top ten. Now it is virtually impossible - due to the fact that the WTA Tour is strictly limits the number of major tournaments, which can take tennis up to 18 years. Nevertheless, top-ranked Serena Williams, who at a London press conference recalled its own debut at Wimbledon, no doubt: Sharapova will be able to achieve a lot.
Will play for RussiaThe question of whether Mary and continue to play for Russia or it would take an American citizen, was raised at press conferences during the tournament more than once. Sharapova stressed: it will remain a Russian woman and wants to play for Russia.The same thing in conversation with me, her agent confirmed.
Eugene Fedyakov"Sport-Express"08.07.2003

Maria Sharapova picture

Maria Sharapova is very pretty tennis player

Maria Sharapova: strawberry this year more delicious

Maria Sharapova: strawberry this year more delicious 

Of all the Russian women's tennis has made the greatest impression at Wimbledon 16-year-old Maria Sharapova. In the fourth round she lost to her compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova. At a farewell press conference, Sharapova, who was in charge in English, visited our correspondent Andrew Beketov.

What memories you take away from Wimbledon?
Sharapova (smiling): Just pleasant. I received great pleasure from his own good play, from the atmosphere: go for the first time on court number one was amazing. I proved to myself that I can compete on equal terms with the strongest. I'm scared like to deal with all the difficulties. I gained confidence in himself, forbade to think about failure. Said to herself: "I can win here!"

You dream to come back and become a champion?
Sharapova: This is now my main goal.

What is particularly remembered at this Wimbledon?
Sharapova: Strawberries taste better than last year. I am now - among the older players, the conditions better for them than for juniors.

Tell me how you moved to the United States.
Sharapova: So my parents decided. In Russia, too difficult to develop a professional career. In the U.S., I arrived with my father because my mother could not get a visa. It was a difficult time, a foreign country, I did not know the language, do not know where to find myself. But I knew why I came here - to play tennis. For this purpose it was necessary to get into the academy of Nick Boleteri, but I was only there two years later, and when I started my career.

Why in Russia it is difficult to play tennis?
Sharapova: There's a very cold winter. You can play only 4 months a year. There are, of course, the rooms, but there one hour costs $ 30. True, the conditions become better tennis - and more popular, they engaged in more and more children.

You realize that you have won the hearts of many British fans?
Sharapova: I can not not notice when I go to court. Such support - it's great! When the game you have a bad mood or feeling, is to hear "Come on, Maria!" How everything goes. And when it turns out, the admiring exclamations forced to play even better.

And off the court? To you this note for you all the time the photo shoot.
Sharapova: This is not always pleasant, especially when tired, and no longer want to smile at the camera, as now (laughs). But nothing can be done - it's part of what I do.

You said recently that Russian girls are trained harder.
Sharapova: In order to become better than others, they are giving training for an hour longer than others.

You said that you read the last book about Harry Potter. Good?
Sharapova: Yes, I would recommend.

Do not say who the main characters dies in the end.
Sharapova: She would not say. However, it is clear from the outset. Can not you guess? (Laughs)

Andrew Beketov
"BBC"
01.07.2003

I always try to play my game says Maria Sharapova

    In the press center at Wimbledon buzz Copier, multiplying the running for reporters to cheer about Maria Sharapova. Foreigners want to know everything: where she was born, why six years had gone to Florida, which target set itself. This is understandable: not everyone, even very capable, tennis player can reach the fourth round of Grand Slam in 16 years.The vast majority of tennis fans who visited last week at Wimbledon, was immediately won over this long-haired girl in the compressing hand fist before each point. And, indeed, a brilliant game Sharapova can not but admire. And apparently it makes a very good impression. A year ago when I took her here during an interview with the junior competition, she looked pretty friendly girls. The same continues today, although to speak with Maria Sharapova has become much more complicated. People surrounding the young tennis player, carefully preserve it, and to journalists while Maria just talking to the press conferences. Well, this is logic: in such a tender age is not easy to cope with high psychological stress, which have fallen in these days for its share.

     But she thinks about her Elena Dementieva, recently conceded Mary in the quarterfinals of the tournament in Birmingham:- We met with Sharapova at the beginning of this year in Hong Kong exhibition tournament. For its 16 years, she is very confident on the court is held, it is clear that it is well mentally prepared not only to serious competition, but also to winning them. Most of all I like to feed her. Masha is still very young, and her game a lot of enthusiasm in the good reckless attacks.Well, perhaps it is feeding, enthusiasm and lack of fear of mistakes helped Sharapova in 1 hour 17 minutes to defeat at the prestigious first-court Wimbledon sown "by 11 th number Yugoslav Elena Dokic. The same one which is itself four years ago became the author here supersensatsii, in the first round defeating itself Martina Hingis, and then reached the quarterfinals.By the way, on Saturday at a press conference, Helen was asked to compare her to achieve with the current Sharapovsky.- Do not forget that I beat then top-ranked - without false modesty, said Dokic, but immediately noticed that in the future Sharapova fully able to enter in the top ten.In this equally by and large the game all decided several important drawings, in which Sharapova was peerless, and Dokic, conversely, is vulnerable. Of his four break-points she failed to implement a single, while Maria Sharapova used two out of five: in the opening game of the first batch and the fifth in the second.
- What can you say about his next opponent - Svetlana Kuznetsova? - I said Sharapova.- While almost nothing. Her game watched my dad (he's one of the coaches Sharapova. - EF), which will help me to develop tactics for this match.
- In the second round you defeated another Russian woman - Elena Bovina. Probably the matches with countrywomen tune in a special way?- Basically for me it does not matter from which country tennis is on the other half of the court. I always try to play my game.This our communion with Mary, and so far limited. But I retain the hope that the next time I have better luck.
Eugene Fedyakov"Sport-Express"30.06.2003

Second Kournikova Maria Sharapova

Born April 19, 1987.Height - 176 cm Weight - 52 kg. Right-handed.Winner of three junior tournaments 3rd, 4 th and 5 th ITF categories to 18.Finalist of the two junior tournament of 1 category and the junior Australian Open 18. In the world junior rankings now occupies 13th place.Coaches - father Yuri Sharapov and Robert Lansdorp.
"Second Kournikova" - sometimes talking about it, probably referring to the very relative resemblance. But the association - especially individual case. Personally, I rather like Maria Sharapova Monica Seles - heart-rending groans when not even the strongest impact. And Lleyton Hewitt - mad charged by the victory. On the court already seen Sharapovsky playing style. Hopefully, all ahead.Then why is this interview with Sharapova, but not with other Russian chetvertfinalistkami maiden Wimbledon - no less promising and pretty Bastrikovoy, Dushevina, Linz, and Kirilenko? Ready to explain. First, in January, a 14-year-old Masha (15 she was only in April), reached the finals of the Australian Open juniors, where some rivals were older than her 3-year, and in March, received wild card in the super tournament in Indian Wells, went to the second round, losing Monica Seles. Secondly, a tennis player and her parents were not quite the usual fate. Well, and, thirdly, let look at the future is not given to anyone, just to Sharapova makes a bet now a well-known managerial company.In the interview, Mary came with his agent, who politely asked me to carry on a conversation in English. No, his team has not forgotten his native tongue - simply he would like to know how she answers questions. Had to introduce myself. Upon learning that I was from "SE", the agent gave me carte blanche. And we said Masha still in Russian.

- Let us since the beginning. Where were you born?- Previously, parents lived in Gomel, Belarus. But shortly before the mother became pregnant with me, the Chernobyl accident occurred. Father changed jobs and moved to Siberia. There, in a small town Niagan, I was born.
- When they began to play tennis?- In the four and a half years.
- In Siberia?- No, in Sochi, where we were by this time had moved.
- What do your parents do?- The Pope - the engineer. He always loved tennis and was familiar with his father Yevgeny Kafelnikov. Mom, while I was little, sat with me at home.
- His first coach remember?- Of course, it's Yuri Yutkin.
- At what age were in America?- Around 7 years.
- And where the train now?- 50 to 50 - in California with Robert Lansdorp, and in Florida, where I have a house and where I often am getting ready to compete at the academy of Nick Bollettieri.
- They say your father is asked Bollettieri, that he took you to the academy?- No, we do not plan. But when they came to America - to have had the opportunity to play tennis - Nick told me the other coaches. So we met.
- What is your goal in tennis?- My dream - to be healthy to play, so that was interesting, and become the first racket of the world.
- Tennis for you to work or simply interesting to do?- Exactly the same job as other people. Only in the morning I go out of the office, and on the training or competition. But to play I like.
- Do you know what strength and what you still lack?- Now you'll first need to tighten physical training. When going out to play with older juniors and especially professionals, feel that this is a big minus. A strong hand ...Somehow I never thought about them. (After a pause.) I like to hit right on the line.
- You are often compared with other tennis players. It does not hurt?- No. I respect them for what they have done for tennis. But try to stay Sharapova.
- And the idols in tennis do you have?- No.
- In life, you seem not as aggressive as on the court ...- Just be there when you want to win an important goal, we have to start myself.
- Your loud groans - not a means to psychological pressure on an opponent?- (Smiles) No, it turns itself. I feel so comfortable.
- On the other Russian tennis players - adults, juniors - communicate?- Only occasionally. I live in America, and the competition should focus on the game, so there is little time to talk.
- I know that Myskina periodically works in California with the same coach as you ...- Yes, we are familiar.- Not going to change the Russian citizenship to the U.S.?- Similar issues involved parents, but I did not think about it. I have Russian blood, at home I say in Russian, and generally consider myself a Russian woman, and not American. Although, when I come to Russia, is a bit unusual. After all, there's different than in America.
- A team of junior competitions you are not offered to play for Russia?- On one occasion, but I have at that time in terms of standing private tournaments.Therefore, the chance to play was not.
- In Indian Wells you feel in himself the ability to compete with rivals from the top hundred?- Yes. I really enjoyed it. Of course, when played with Monica, has experienced some excitement: after all, the main court, and a rival - itself Seles. But in that match we had a lot of good jokes, which I enjoyed.
- Do you plan to compete again as adults?- Yes, probably, once again in Indian Wells.
- But it is only in March next year. And before that?- If you see a possibility - of course. This allows you to quickly improve.
- How do you get an education?- I study at an American school and get jobs on the Internet. Separately engaged in with his mother Russian language and literature.
- In addition to tennis than interested in?- Fashion.
- What are some specific areas?- Just keep up with new models and myself try to draw clothes.
- And what is your favorite color?- I love to combine colors.
- What are reading now?- Chekhov.
- In the original Russian or in English translation?- In different ways. But in Russian is much more interesting to read.

Maria Sharapova Tennis. March 2002

Maria Sharapova Tennis. March 2002
Russians Maria Sharapova called the rising star of world tennis.
Journal of SPORT Magazine last year included it in the list of twenty-one athlete that will define the face of world sport in the twenty-first century. Specialists tipped Mary has a great future, but fans now go specifically for Sharapova, seeing it not only interesting tennis player, but also a very attractive girl. Many call it the new Kournikova and argue that the dormant until Masha charisma is not less powerful than Anna. Masha itself compared with Qurna, in the sense that ordinary people are investing here, a little embarrassing. She said that a lot of respect as a tennis player Anna as a person, but generally she would have liked to stay myself and to her no one compared. And the role of sex symbol of the future and it does not pretend. Masha Sharapovoy fifteen years.She is a child himself, peering curiously into the world, likes to read Sherlock Holmes and Pippi Longstocking, but along with this show is absolutely mature, professional attitude to the main case to date of her life - tennis.
Contact with Mary in Los Angeles managed only by phone. At first, she, her family and agent treated the request for an interview with suspicion. Apparently, the stereotype in relation to the Russian press has formed ambiguous. Eventually, the interview turned out very friendly and sincere. Masha hardly known in Russia. At the age of seven, she and her parents went to America, where he was to train hard. However, she started is still here.
- The first time I picked up a racket when I was four and a half years - says Maria. - It was in Sochi. I almost immediately liked to play tennis and I'm even on their own lot was at the net. Then I remember I always wanted to play on account of the interest.

- So you're a gambler? From his childhood? - Yes. And since my childhood loved to win. My first mentor was the coach Yuri Sochi Yutkin. He, in my opinion, and told Dad that from me have to get something that I have talent.
- Did you have a choice between tennis and other sport? - Actually, no. I've nothing else worked. Did not even try. Dad, I was addicted to tennis as an amateur. Sometimes, incidentally, was playing with his father Yevgeny Kafelnikov.
- When you play your first tournament? - I was 9 years old. It was already in America. But you know I'm special items do not even remember. Postponed, perhaps, just what any close friends in my time was not, so I only thought about tennis and how to win.
- How do you train in America as a child? - I went to Nick Bollettieri Academy and stayed there for five years. (By the way, Anna Kournikova, too long trained in the academy. - Comm. The author.) Training I was free. Most of the time I had a personal trainer or I played with someone one on one. I, frankly, it's all very much. Nick himself, by the way, personally helped me sometimes. He still does it when I come to Florida. We have a house there, and when I choose a home, I train with him.
- What can you say about the atmosphere at the academy? - You know, that's the atmosphere I was hard to handle, because there I lived alone, without parents. I was only nine years old and my roommate 15 - 16 years. Accounted for more focus on tennis, so it was not so lonely.
- How true opinion about the American high school tennis, primarily as a school with an emphasis in power, nekombinatsionny tennis? - Only partly. Indeed, the principle of strong beat, and then everything else is sometimes put in the first place.
- How do you feel about that? - To be honest, I did never before thought much. Although I myself love all: strong play from the baseline, go to the grid supply, attack, or conversely, to suffer for many practical jokes, etc. I probably prefer the versatile tennis.
- Can you break down, ruffle, winning you during the game? - No, no! (Laughs.) - It is difficult to do! 

- Masha, tell us how you train now? Who is running? - In California, with me working fine specialist Robert Lansdorp. He also, incidentally, helps, and Anastasia Myskina. Last year I try a lot of attention paid to physical training - OPT. For me it is very important. You need to be stronger, but then I was too skinny!OPT I do with a specialist who previously worked with Chang, with Rusedski. But the competition is helping me Dad. He is always with me. Training regime is as follows: two hours from morning tennis, physical training during the day and night playing a match or sparring.
- What is your most significant achievement to date? - My first final of the Junior Tournament of the Grand Slam Australian Open in 2002. It was very pleasant. Maybe I'm wrong, but at fourteen to me that nobody did.
- How would you rate your own prospects? Could call their own pros and cons? - I now have a wonderful treatment, I was happy with everything I'm doing everything I need. Frankly, I do not want to think. Of course, enter into the elite of tennis - a dream of every player. But in the near future I would like to get into the main draw of Wimbledon and Roland Garros. Hope to play well the next few tournaments. Well, my cons? Yes, there are no really big minus. Very difficult to talk about it.
- How many tournaments you can now play in the adult tour and how this number matches your capabilities? - In April I turned 16 and I can play 10 tournaments in a season and an additional 4 Grand Slam "when hit. 1914 competition - quite enough for my age and for me personally. There are, however, some disadvantages: I can not play what I want, for example, in America. Instead, you must, for example, to fly to Japan.
- What, in your opinion, the adult tour differs from Junior? What is it, so to speak, struck first of all that was most difficult during the first adult tournament? - You know things are different, just about anything! Do not compare. For me, of course, the most difficult was the lack of experience. For example, virtually all participants of the tour are well aware of how to play the point when one account or another. Well, I am so just learn to play on the account: somewhere must be patient, and sometimes, conversely, to attack.
- Masha, do you have any idols in modern tennis? - There is not and never was. As a child, I very rarely watched tennis on television, and even when it has already started to train hard, still on it is not enough time. Yes, I know that plays well, for example, Steffi Graf, but never fond of studying its game technology.I've always been somehow by itself, and tried not to look at others. No, I am, of course, like someone hit on the right, someone left, someone is playing smart, thin, someone powerful, and so on, but no more.
- How do you feel about the fact that many observers have noted, not only your game, but also purely visual appeal? What it helps, what hinders? - Oh, I do not pay any attention to it.
They say that it is partly due to good looks Mary in the past year were invited to take part in games of World Team Tennis. WTT - it is an American tennis league match in which is following the NBA and NHL. Almost every state has at least one team collected from the stars of world tennis, have signed a contract with the league. Matches are played at home or on the road, but they represent rather a show than a purely sporting event, and very popular with tennis fans.

- Masha, what attracted you to the league, but the contract? Wondering whether to participate in such events? - Very interesting! When I was invited there, I did the first time in my life played for the team! Three weeks we traveled together, I really liked it when during the match I felt a command support. During this time I personally got a little more experience, which I was so lacking in the adult tour. For example, I played tennis players such as Alexander Stevenson, Amanda Kettser. I never played them before! .. And, of course, I like the fact that all these activities are furnished as a show - a very pleasant atmosphere, the atmosphere is joyful.
- Mary, what do you live apart from tennis? Study? - Yes, I study. In the American school on the Internet. I send books, I study them, and then the Internet as I hand over exams on the topics. Subjects are: English, mathematics, history and biology. Plus, with my mother teach French and Russian.
- Education and tennis do not interfere with each other? - No. It is also necessary for me personally, learning is no less important than tennis. I would like to study further, to do somewhere, but only after the end of a tennis career.Whatever I wanted to do? .. Perhaps it would be something related to fashion.
- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have friends? - Friends, of course, there is, but with our tennis mode is very difficult to maintain relationships. In my spare time I like to go shopping or cinema. The last thing watching - it's "Chicago." But in general I love comedy: you can laugh and forget it!
- Music, books, pets? - To be honest, I love Russian music: Zemfira, Tatu, Pugachev. From non-Russians - yes, too many. Jennifer Lopez, for example. Read too much. Now I'm reading two books at once: in Russian - "Hero of Our Time, Lermontov in English - Notes of Sherlock Holmes." Pets I do not. Although previously here was a hamster!
And Mary says that is constantly in contact with Russia. In Sochi, stayed home and grandparents. Dreams of whether to participate in the Kremlin Cup and team contests for the Fed Cup for Team Russia? Yes, probably. She would be a very interesting. But much later. So far, according to Mary, she does not think. The tasks it faces very different: to find its place in world tennis.
Inna Varyukhin "Sportclub" March 2002

Maria Sharapova Biography

     Maria Sharapova was born on April 19, 1987 in the small Siberian town of Nyagan, where her parents moved from Homel, fleeing from the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. Started playing tennis at 4,5 years, by the time her family has lived in Sochi. The first coach Yury Yudkin was Mary. He noticed little Masha, with an adult racket in hands-on training pope, a great lover of tennis, Yuri Sharapov. It is curious that his father was friends with Masha's father, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, and that Eugene gave her first racket. "What struck me at once. At 4.5 years she was a child mentally healthy development. Masha absorbed everything I told her and showed them. All grasped on the fly. She mastered those attacks, which are still not clear to all. At 7 years already knew how to perform twisted flow and was a little master. You can not imagine that the life she's kind, gentle, smiling girl, but it's worth it to take up the racket, it - the beast! "Purposeful, not afraid of anybody, she was by all means must be defeated! "For three years our work is never said to me: I'm tired." - Recalls YV Yudkin.

      In six years, Maria Sharapova had a chance to play with Martina Navratilova when she gave a master class in Moscow. Navratilova, making out the talent in young tennis player quite yet, it is strongly advised his father to give Masha a tennis academy of Nick Bollettieri, who is in Florida. Wise father of Mary, who always sought in every way to develop tennis talent of his daughter and, incidentally, now goes to her for most tournaments, heeded the advice of the great tennis player, and soon moved to America with Masha. Helped in moving and Tennis Federation of Russia. Mama Maria, Elena, was able to move to America until two years later when she received permission to travel. Yuri Sharapov has revised all the coaches in America and chose the best for her daughter - is Robert Lansdorp. He has trained such champions as Pete Sampras, Lindsay Davenport and Tracy Austin.

    "Tennis - that's what it gets. Forget all that does not apply to tennis - posing for magazines and everything else. Yes, she is also doing, but I assure you, compared to tennis, she did not care. The fact that it succeeds on the court - for it is above all. Just look at once, as she trains. She never stands in the middle of the court and never spends too much time to workout. No, she always goes directly to the site and says: "Well, let's start , dammit! "She a fighter, and anyone in the academy, who plays with it in sparring, very quickly starts to look like a guinea pig." - Says Nick Bollettieri.

    For adult tournaments held under the auspices of the International Tennis Federation, Maria Sharapova made her debut in 2001 - in Sarasota, where, however, lost in first round. But after a year in Columbus, not even being in the WTA rankings, won at the start of an opponent, then part number 300 of the best in the world.

    In the season-2002 on account of its three titles were won by the tournaments ITF: the Japanese Gunma, Vancouver, Canada and the U.S. Peachtree City. In 2003, Sharapova became a regularly try their hand at major competitions. In January last qualified for the Open championship of Australia, in February stood at the WTA computer, even at 153-m site. In May, wins another ITF tournament in Sea Island (USA) - again, this time at Roland Garros, made its way through the qualification tournament for the main draw of the series "Grand Slam".

   Next began a series of tournaments on grass - covering, which is obtained from Sharapova to play really nice. And in Birmingham, Mary "shot" for real - just beat the three "scattered" - Frenchwoman Nathalie Dechy (5), Swiss Marie-Gayane Mikaelian (11) and Elena Dementieva (1), then in the semifinals on a tiebreaker in the third Sete lost to Shinobu Asagi Japanese woman. And then, having received a personal invitation from the organizers, Maria successfully performed at the Wimbledon tournament, entering the number sixteen of the best. In the second half of 2003 to Masha came the first major success, she managed to win two tournaments WTA - Tokyo and Quebec City. And to finish the year 32 th in the ranking of WTA. 16-year-old Maria Sharapova was named the best rookie of the year the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).

    Since then, the career of Mary is on the rise. In early 2004, Mary burst into the top 20 most powerful women's tennis world. Reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. This was followed by unbeaten run on grass. First, Maria won the tournament in Birmingham in singles and doubles, and three weeks to translate into reality their dream. July 3, 2004 Maria won Wimbledon, confident, beautiful, and brazenly beaten in the final women's singles a double winner of this tournament, threatening an American Serena Williams!

   Final match at Wimbledon against Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova started in no way betraying the natural in such cases, the excitement. Russian has won the first point on his serve, then another, then made a break and led 4:1. Continuing to operate with virtually no errors, Maria brought the party to defeat - 6:1. In the second game Williams Jr. managed to establish acceptance and get ahead - 4:2. It seemed that the more experienced American tennis player is about to make a final break in the meeting. And in this situation Masha showed a fantastic game. She quickly equalized, withstood tremendous stress in a protracted ninth game, and put the same point victory - 6:1, 6:4.

   So Masha from budding, promising Nogo and talented players into a new bright star of world tennis. The success of Maria Sharapova at the courts of All England Lawn Tennis Club was not only her personal achievement, but also a great victory for the Russian women's tennis. After the first Russian tennis player to win Wimbledon! This victory allowed Masha become the 8 th World No..

   After such a fantastic take-off followed by a natural decline. And at the U.S. Open Maria could not show my best game, losing in the third round Mary Pierce.

   However, the brilliant performance of Mary at the end of the season inspired hope in the hearts of admirers of Maria Sharapova. Winning tournaments on hard in Seoul and Tokyo, Maria qualified for the final tournament of the year in Los Angeles. Defeated three Russians, Kuznetsova, Zvonareva and Myskina, Maria reached the final of this prestigious tournament. Like at Wimbledon, for the grand prize Masha had to fight with Serena Williams, it was the fifth match in six days. In the hardest fight, with a score of 4:6 6:2 6:4 Maria Sharapova once again defeated the former top-ranked and won the title World Champion 2004!

   International Association of tennis journalists (ITWA) named the best female tennis player Maria Sharapova, 2004. Thus, Mary finished the season-2004 on a positive note, becoming the fourth World No. for the year and second racket of Russia.

   In 2005, climbing to tennis throne continued. At the Australian Open Maria reached the semifinals and lost to a future winner - Serena Uiyalms, who managed to play three matchbola a Russian woman. After Melbourne Masha became the first racket of Russia. Tournament of the first category in Tokyo Toray Pan Pacific Open became the 8 th tournament, won by Maria Sharapova. And in the finale was defeated top-ranked - Lindsay Davenport. Title in Doha and a very successful performances at American tournaments, the first category in the Indian Uellse and Miami (semifinals and finals) allowed Mary still up in the rankings. April 4 Maria headed for the first time the title race WTA and 11 April, a week before         the 18 th anniversary, Mary has become the second racket of the world! And held in Miami on the annual awards ceremony ATP and WTA player Maria Sharapova excel in three categories: Best female tennis player in 2004 according to WTA Tour "," Rookie "and" Audience Choice Award. " Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated the tennis player with the majority, noted that millions of Russian fans are proud of her achievements and wish sportswoman new bright victories.

    Compactor season-2005 Maria Sharapova had been more successful than the previous year. But add to the list of titles groundwater tournament again failed.

   Everyone expected tournaments on grass. In Birmingham, Sharapova has confirmed the title and won the 10 th tournament of his career. Unfortunately, to win second victory at Wimbledon, Maria did not happen. She reached the semifinals and lost to an American Venus Williams. Thereby interrupting the unbeaten run on grass in 22 matches and having lost the title of the current champion. Interesting pattern - Masha again lost the Grand Slam winner of the future.

   Maria Sharapova has become known. Forbes magazine has included Mary in the number of "100 most influential world-famous celebrities, and Mary was the only Russian woman on the list. In Los Angeles, Maria was awarded a prestigious U.S. award ESPY Awards for 2004. Russian has been recognized as the best tennis player the year according to ESPN.

   The excellent results of Maria Sharapova in the last 52 weeks allowed to talk about first place in the ranking of WTA. Speaking in Los Angeles at the JPMorgan Chase Open tournament, Maria was a step away from the title of the first racket of the world. It was enough to beat in the quarterfinals Daniel Hantuhovu to beat Lindsay Davenport in the rankings. However, this match never took place. Because of the pectoral muscle injury (received last year at a tournament in Zurich) and colds, Maria was forced to withdraw from the tournament. But it took only a week and a new official WTA rankings for August 22 Maria Sharapova was the first place! Results for Mary WTA tournaments over the past 52 weeks were the best among all the tennis world: the 17 tournaments played after the US Open-2004, Sharapova won six tournaments, 2 times reaches the finals 6 times - to the semifinals and three times - to the quarterfinals. Masha was a 15-second tennis player (1975), who managed to lead the women's rating, as well as the first Russian in this honorable list.

    Just a week Lindsay Davenport won the tournament in New Haven, ahead of Mary. Nevertheless, for the first time in the tournament from the Grand Slam, U.S. Open, Maria was "planted" on a 1-set tiebreak. At the US Open Masha reached the semifinals, again losing to the eventual champion - Kim Klaysters, in hard match - 2:6, 7:6 (4) 3:6. Maria Sharapova - the only one of the top three rankings, which reached the semifinal USO-2005, secured a separation from the other tennis players to 365 points and 12 September, returned to the first position ranking WTA.

   Injuries continued to trouble Mary. In the semifinals of Beijing tournament Masha had to abandon the fight against a friend - Maria Kirilenko.

    In the rank of top-ranked Maria flew to Moscow to play for the first time at the Kremlin Cup. This visit aroused great interest among journalists and the public. At the first press conference, Shamil Tarpishchev handed Maria Sharapova "Russian Cup" contest "Best Russian tennis player 2004-2005" and a certificate of conferring the title of "Honored Master of Sports of Russia." Unfortunately, the game to please their fans Masha did not happen. In the first dramatic match when Mary was losing to Anna-Lena Grenefeld, opponent got injured and refused to fight. The second match against Dinara Safina started more successfully, but eventually Mary lost in three sets.

    October 24 Masha again dropped in the rankings, having been in total on the first line of 7 weeks. Because of concern to an injury she missed the tournament in Philadelphia, and only at the last moment still decided to play the final tournament in Los Angeles. Unexpectedly for many Masha beat top-ranked Lindsay Davenport and Patty Schnyder, showing good tennis, and left the group in the semifinals. The match against Amelie Mauresmo became the latest this year. "I could not properly apply, especially in the second set - say after the match, Maria. If not for injury, I could easily win, because most of the time controlled the game. In any case, I believe that next year, emerged for me more successfully. Mauresmo eventually won the tournament.

   As with the previous year, 2005 is the Maria Sharapova has been on the 4 th place in the ranking of WTA. And during the Japanese tour, during which she spent several exhibition matches in December, Mary said: "The new season for me, the priority will be the lead in the ranking of WTA".

   New 2006 year begins anxiously for Maria Sharapova and her fans. Aggravated at the end of last season's shoulder injury casts doubt on its involvement in the first tournament of the year Grand Slam. However, Maria decides to play at the Australian Open in Melbourne, despite the lack of competitive practices, reach the semi-finals, where the stubborn trehsetovom match inferior Justine Henin-Hardenne. Then Mary successfully played in tournaments in Tokyo and Dubai, reaching the semifinals and finals, and Indian Wells is gaining a very good shape.

    Prestigious tournament Category I Pacific Life Open is the first Sharapova won the title in 2006 and 11 th of his career. On the way to the final, Maria takes revenge for defeat in Tokyo's famous Martina Hingis, in the final match defeated Elena Dementieva. And right after that repeats its last year's result at a major tournament in Miami - comes to the final. But the beautiful game opponent, Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final match and the accumulated fatigue of Mary does not allow her to win the second title in a row, and it yields in two sets.

   Excellent performance at the spring tournament in the U.S. supplemented by the successes and outside the courts - Mary receives an award from the US Weekly Weekly as the most stylish dressing athlete.

    Unfortunately, injuries again intervene in the schedule of appearances of Mary in the soil of the season - a problem with his foot forced her to miss almost all the tournaments until Roland Garros. Again suboptimal physical condition and lack of practice games at this difficult for Masha coverage does not allow her to successfully perform in France. In a dramatic match of the 4 th range is inferior to Dinara Safina, leading 5:1 in the decisive set.

   The long-awaited season grass with which Mary always have special hopes, begins not so optimistic. At a tournament in Birmingham Masha suddenly gives way to Jamie Jackson in the semifinals, unable to confirm his title. A favorite on the courts at Wimbledon, as a year ago, stopped at the semi-final stage, where trehsetovom match yields a future winner of the tournament and top-ranked Amelie Mauresmo.

    A month after Wimbledon Maria takes part in the tournament Category I Acura Classic in San Diego. Masha beats here Vera Zvonareva, Mary Pierce, Patty Schnyder and reach the final, where for the first time in career wins over Belgian Kim Klaysters (with a score of 7:5 7:5), and won his 12 th title! Next week, Sharapova serves again - this time on the courts of Los Angeles, on Category II tournament, and comes to the semifinals. High level of play demonstrated by the U.S. hard, and scored important victories led many experts to call Mary one of the main favorites of the upcoming U.S. Open.

      To speak at the U.S. Open, the last Grand Slam in 2006, Maria is preparing specially. Being in good physical and psychological form, primarily due to the absence of health problems and good play in practice, it is confident the tournament begins in New York, and easily beats rivals in the first four rounds. Quarterfinal match against Tatiana Golovin is in a bitter struggle - both sets taybreykami end, but in both cases, the stronger is Mary - 7:6 (4) 7:6 (0). In the semifinals, Maria again meets Amelie Mauresmo, and this time wins a landslide victory over the Frenchwoman with a score of 6:0 4:6 6:0 not given to any game in the first and third sets to top-ranked. Then this game many call one of the best matches of the year in the WTA-tour.

    September 10, 2006, something happened which Mary and her fans were waiting for two years - Sharapova wins second Grand Slam title in his career - U.S. Open. In two sets, demonstrating excellent tennis champion's confidence, Maria beats Henin-Hardenne - 6:4, 6:4! "This is absolutely unbelievable. I fell to my knees and thought about everything that has been invested in this tournament, this is a merit of my work since my childhood, which was made possible thanks to my amazing family," - say, after winning the 19-year-old champion.

    In the rank of the current winner of the last Grand Slam tournament Maria Sharapova arrives in Moscow for Kremlin Cup. It was in Moscow, Maria plans to return to competition after winning the U.S. Open. But unfortunately, once again fails to please fans of beautiful Russian victories. Having only one lap, Mary is forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an unfortunate injury foot.

   

   Masha from Russia is flying to Zurich for the tournament, I category. It seems that her game is far from perfect: Maria admits a lot of unforced errors and fatigue Masha visible to the naked eye. But she continues to win the match for the match, and finally defeated in the finals in a difficult fight Hantuhovu Daniel wins the tournament in Zurich! Immediately thereafter, Mary wins second tournament in a row - Generali Ladies Linz. 15 th title in a career!