Maria Sharapova

I remember reading about Yuri Sharapova and his daughter about 4 years ago. The press reported on how they had and were making incredible sacrifices and that she might be the next Anna Kournikova. I had a feeling that Maria was headed for greatness.

Now if someone reads about Maria for the first time, they might be put off by her success and looks. It is important to get past that initial setback to understand who the Sharapovas really are.

"I didn't see my mother [Yelena] for two years because of visa problems and I missed her dreadfully. My father had to work so I didn't see much of him, either. I was very lonely but I never cried. When you come from nothing and have nothing, it makes you very hungry and determined to succeed."

1. Gave up everything to come to America
2. Parents gave up everything for her
3. Yuri is at every game
4. Yuri places importance on family
5. Maria places importance on family
6. She does one thing well
7. She knows how to focus on what needs to be done
8. she gives the people what they want- incredible tennis
9. understands the responsibilities associated with being in the public eye
10. isn't afraid of success
11. eternally positive
12. is intolerant of negativity
13. self-doubt? What's that?
14. doesn't let herself get distracted
15. stays focused on one thing
16. has a wicked serve
17. spent years perfecting her form
18. gave $10,000 to Tsunami victims
19. gave $50,000 to school shooting victims
20. puts tennis above modeling, acting, singing, partying, etc.
21. keeps personal life private
22. isn't afraid to put nosy reporters in their place
23. Won Wimbledon at 17
24. Won US Open at 19
25. Beat Regis at his own game at 17
26. Has an inseam 12" longer than Kelly Ripa
27. Beat David Letterman at his own game at 19
28. doesn't want success to change her
29. parents don't want success to change her
30. first major purchase was a house for her parents
31. makes more than any other female athlete, yet doesn't have a driver's license
32. keeps right on grunting (record 102.1 decibels) despite public outcry
33. can really focus
34. has incredible aim
35. chases the ball like her life depends upon it
36. parents are refugees from the Chernobyl disaster
37. parents moved to Sochi when she was 2 so Maria could ski and play tennis
38. parents mutally decided to move for Maria, even though mom had to stay behind for 5 years
39. parents put kid before personal needs
40. sees herself as a potential role model for kids, and lives her life accordingly
41. is like a rabbit- has to keep active
42. rarely turns down a tennis interview, even if she expects to be ambushed
43. turned down Maxim and FHM for a photo spread
44. no model shoots within 4 weeks of a tournament