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. She achieved the world No. 1 ranking by the WTA for 21 weeks and secured 36 WTA Tour-level singles titles. A defining aspect of her career is her accomplishment of winning five major titles and the 2004 WTA Tour Championships. Notably, she is one of only ten women to have completed a career Grand Slam in singles, marking her as a significant figure in tennis history.

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, Byelorussian SSR, due to concerns about the regional effects of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, shortly before Maria was born.

April 1987: Maria Sharapova Born

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

Others born on this day/year

1990: Family Moved to Sochi

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

1991: First Tennis Racquet

In 1991, when Maria Sharapova was four, she received her first tennis racquet from Aleksandr Kafelnikov, beginning her regular practice with her father at a local park.

1993: Attended Tennis Clinic Run by Martina Navratilova

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

1994: Moved to the United States for Training

In 1994, Yuri Sharapov and his daughter Maria, who could not speak English, moved to the United States for professional tennis training at the IMG Academy.

1994: United States Resident

Sharapova has been a resident in the United States since 1994, while still preferring to keep her Russian citizenship.

1995: Signed by IMG

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

2005: On-Court Grunting

In 2005, Sharapova's on-court grunting reached a recorded 101 decibels during a match at Wimbledon. She described it as a natural instinct.

2006: Start of Mildronate Usage

In 2006, Sharapova began taking the medicine mildronate, also known as meldonium, prescribed by her family doctor for several health issues. This medication was taken for ten years before it was placed on WADA's banned list in 2016.

February 2007: United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador

Since February 2007, Maria Sharapova has served as 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.

July 2010: Chernobyl Trip

In late June/early July 2010, Sharapova fulfilled her planned trip to Chernobyl-affected areas.

2012: Sugarpova confectionery brand launch

In 2012, Maria Sharapova launched her confectionery brand, Sugarpova.

2014: Investment in Supergoop

In 2014, Maria Sharapova invested in the sunscreen brand Supergoop.

2014: Torch Bearer for Sochi Winter Olympics

In 2014, Sharapova helped to promote the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, and was the first torch bearer in the torch-lighting ceremony during the opening festivities.

2018: Launched Mentoring 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 officially announced her retirement from professional tennis, marking the end of her career. The announcement was made through an essay in Vanity Fair and Vogue.

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2020: Shark Tank appearance and investment in Bala Bangles

In 2020, Sharapova appeared as a guest shark in the American TV show Shark Tank, where she teamed up with Mark Cuban to invest in Bala Bangles, a wearable wrist and ankle weights company.

March 2022: Speaks Out Against Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In early March 2022, Sharapova spoke out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and pledged to donate to the 'Save the Children' organization to help Ukrainian children impacted by the war.