Childhood and Education Journey of Maria Sharapova in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Maria Sharapova. From birth to education, explore key events.

Maria Sharapova is a retired Russian professional tennis player who achieved the world No. 1 ranking. A dominant force in women's tennis, she held the top spot for 21 weeks and accumulated 36 WTA Tour-level singles titles. Her career is highlighted by five major titles and winning the 2004 WTA Tour Championships. Sharapova distinguished herself as one of the few women to accomplish a Career Grand Slam in singles, solidifying her place among the sport's elite.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1986: Chernobyl Nuclear Accident

In 1986, Maria Sharapova's parents, Yuri Sharapov and Yelena, left their hometown of Gomel due to concerns about the regional effects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident.

April 1987: Maria Sharapova's Birth

Maria Yuryevna Sharapova was born on 19 April 1987, in Nyagan, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union.

Others born on this day/year

1990: Family Move to Sochi

In 1990, when Maria Sharapova was three, her family moved to Sochi, Russia.

1991: First Tennis Racquet

In 1991, at the age of four, Maria Sharapova received her first tennis racquet from Aleksandr Kafelnikov and began practicing regularly with her father.

1993: Tennis Clinic in Moscow

In 1993, at the age of six, Maria Sharapova attended a tennis clinic in Moscow run by Martina Navratilova, who recommended professional training at the IMG Academy.

1994: Move to the United States

In 1994, Yuri Sharapov borrowed money and moved with Maria to the United States for her tennis training, while her mother was unable to join them due to visa restrictions.

1994: United States resident since 1994

Sharapova has been a United States resident since 1994, but has always preferred to keep her Russian citizenship.

1995: IMG Sponsorship

In 1995, Maria Sharapova was signed by IMG, which agreed to pay her annual tuition fee of $35,000 to stay at the academy, allowing her to finally enroll at the age of 9.

2001: Professional Debut

In 2001, on her 14th birthday on April 19, Maria Sharapova made her professional debut.

2001: Turned Professional

Since turning professional in 2001, Maria Sharapova earned US$285 million, including prize money, according to Forbes.

2005: Grunting at Wimbledon

During a match at Wimbledon in 2005, Sharapova's on-court grunting reached a recorded 101 decibels. When questioned about it, Sharapova defended her grunting as a natural instinct, urging the media to focus on the match.

2006: Use of Mildronate Started in 2006

Sharapova stated she was given mildronate by her family doctor for several health issues in 2006.

February 2007: United Nations Ambassador

In February 2007, Maria Sharapova became a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on the Chernobyl Recovery and Development Programme.

July 2008: Message to Emily Bailes memorial service

In July 2008, Sharapova sent a message on DVD to the memorial service of Emily Bailes, who had performed the coin toss ahead of the 2004 Wimbledon final that Sharapova won.

2008: Remarks on retirement after Henin's retirement

Following Justine Henin's retirement in 2008, Sharapova remarked that if she were 25 and had won many Grand Slams, she would quit too. In an interview after the 2008 Australian Open, she hoped to have a husband and kids within ten years.

July 2010: Visit to Chernobyl-affected areas

In late June/early July 2010, Sharapova fulfilled her planned trip to Chernobyl-affected areas after it was postponed in 2008 due to her shoulder injury. In 2010, she visited areas affected by the Chernobyl disaster after being appointed UNDP Goodwill Ambassador in 2007.

2011: Engagement to Sasha Vujačić

In 2011, Sharapova became engaged to Slovenian professional basketball player Sasha Vujačić.

August 2012: Ended engagement with Sasha Vujačić

In August 2012, Sharapova confirmed that she and Sasha Vujačić had ended their engagement and separated earlier that year.

2012: Changed stance on retirement

In an interview before her 2012 Australian Open semifinal, Sharapova changed her stance on retirement, stating that she intended to continue playing tennis as long as she enjoyed it.

2015: Relationship with Grigor Dimitrov ends

In 2015, Sharapova's relationship with Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov ended. They had been dating since 2012.

September 2017: Publication of autobiography, Unstoppable. My Life So Far

On September 12, 2017, Sharapova's autobiography, Unstoppable. My Life So Far, was published by Sarah Crichton Books.

Unstoppable: My Life So Far

Check it on Amazon

2018: Mentor Program for Women Entrepreneurs

In 2018, Maria Sharapova launched a new program to mentor women entrepreneurs.

February 2020: Retirement Announcement

On February 26, 2020, Sharapova announced her retirement from tennis in an essay in Vanity Fair and Vogue, marking the end of her professional career.

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December 2020: Engagement to Alexander Gilkes

In December 2020, Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes revealed they were engaged.

2020: Retirement from Tennis

In 2020, Maria Sharapova retired from professional tennis.

March 2022: Speaks out against Russian invasion of Ukraine

In early March 2022, Sharapova spoke out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She also pledged a donation to the 'Save the Children' organization helping Ukrainian children impacted by the war.