Maria Sharapova » Trivia

Ranked #17 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2007 list.

Born in Siberia, Russia, and raised in the United States since age seven. Father Yuri brought her to the U.S. in 1994, but mother Yelena didn't join them until two years later due to visa problems.

She won the 2004 WTA Championships, defeating Serena Williams 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 in the final to pocket one million dollars and win a new Porsche Cayenne to donate to a charity of her choice.

Named #19 in FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005" special supplement. (2005)

In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated her earnings for the year at $23 million.

Became number 1 in the world in August 2005 & is the first Russian player to become the best player in the world

Very close friends with fellow tennis player Maria Kirilenko.

Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2005.

On the Forbes 2006 Richest Young Celebrities List, it is reported she earned $18.2 million in 2005. She was the highest-paid female athlete of the year.

2004 women's Wimbledon champion. Defeated two-time defending champion Serena Williams 6-1, 6-4.

Named #8 in FHM magazine's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2006" supplement. (2006).

She was (and still is) so ambidextrous that she almost became a left-handed tennis player.

According to the LA Times and Orange County Register, Maria said at a press conference she has grown a few cm this year and is now 6' 2". She's been having back pains and has had to pull out of some tournaments due to the pain which she thinks is from a growth spurt.

She defeated world #1 'Amelie Mauresmo' 6-0, 4-6, 6-0 in the semifinals and world #2 Justine Henin 6-4, 6-4 in the final of the 2006 US Open to win the title and $1.7 million in prize money.

Her loudest grunt was measured at 101.2 decibels (louder than a motorcycle or a lawnmower) on 21 June 2005 at Wimbledon Centre Court. Previously the loudest grunt was by Monica Seles at 93.2 decibels.