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Player: Maria Sharapova
Birthdate: April 19, 1987
Birthplace: Nyagan, Russia (Siberian Region)
Residence: Bradenton, Florida, USA
Height: 6' (1.83m)
Weight: 130lbs (59kg) lbs.
Plays: Right
Turned Pro: 2001
Personal Coached by her father, Yuri Sharapov and Robert Lansdorp... Mother's name is Yelena... Started hitting tennis balls at age four; began training at Nick Bollettieri's Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, USA, at age nine... Off-court interests include fashion, singing, dancing and movies (favorites are Mona Lisa Smile, Something's Gotta Give and Love Actually)... In second year of high school and studies via an Internet school... Enjoys reading books in the Sherlock Holmes and Pippi Longstocking series... Prefers Russian and Thai cuisine; favorite dessert is French crepes with Nutella; favorite drinks are Orangina and virgin strawberry daiquiris... Signed with IMG Models in November 2003... At 2005 Australian Open, donated value of Porsche Cayenne she won at 2004 Tour Championships (approx. US$56,300) to those affected by Russian school hostage crisis in Beslan.
2006 Year in Review Strongest finish in season highlighted by second Grand Slam title at US Open; as No.3 seed, d. top seed Mauresmo to capture her second major title (first was 2004 Wimbledon); wins over Mauresmo (third career win over a reigning No.1) and Henin-Hardenne made her the eighth in history to defeat world's Top 2 at a major; won four more hardcourt titles, at Tier I Indian Wells (d. Hingis in SF, Dementieva 61 62 in final), Tier I San Diego (d. Schnyder in SF, Clijsters 75 75 in final; win over Clijster was first in five career meetings), Tier I Zich (d. Hantuchova 61 46 63 in final) and finally Linz (d. Schnyder in SF, Petrova 75 62 in final). Only fifth player ever to make the Indian Wells and Miami finals in same year); SF or better in 13 of 15 starts, only prior losses came at Roland Garros. On September 11, surpassed Dementieva to become highest-earning Russian in Tour history. To read Maria Sharapova's complete Player Profile, check out the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour 2007 Official Guide.
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