Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova achieved a remarkable milestone in her tennis career on June 5, 2004, by winning the Wimbledon Championships, one of the most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments. At the age of 17, she defeated the reigning champion Serena Williams with a score of 6–1, 6–4 in the final. This victory made her the third-youngest woman to win the Wimbledon title, showcasing her incredible talent and potential. Sharapova's win was seen as a breakthrough moment in her career as she became a household name in tennis and subsequently endorsed by major brands, catapulting her into the global spotlight.

Maria Sharapova reached the World No. 1 ranking for the first time on August 22, 2005, becoming the first Russian woman to achieve the feat. Her ascent to the top ranking was a result of her consistent performance and success on the tennis circuit, including her Wimbledon victory the previous year. At age 18, Sharapova became the sixth-youngest player to reach No. 1 in the history of the WTA rankings, a testament to her talent and rising dominance in women's tennis. Her reign at the top lasted for six weeks.

Maria Sharapova won her second Grand Slam title at the 2006 US Open on September 9, 2006. She defeated Justine Henin with a straight-set victory, 6–4, 6–4, in the final. This win was significant as it reaffirmed her position at the top of women’s tennis. Sharapova showcased not only her powerful baseline game but also her mental toughness and competitive spirit, especially on the hard courts of New York. The victory added to her growing list of achievements and solidified her status as one of the top players of her era.

On January 26, 2008, Maria Sharapova triumphed at the Australian Open, claiming her third Grand Slam title. She defeated Ana Ivanovic in the final with a convincing 7–5, 6–3 victory. This win came after a challenging year in 2007, where Sharapova struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances. Her victory in Australia was a testament to her resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. The tournament showcased her powerful serve and aggressive style of play, earning her accolades from fans and peers alike.

On June 9, 2012, Maria Sharapova cemented her legacy as one of tennis's greats by capturing the French Open title, achieving a career Grand Slam. She defeated Sara Errani with a score of 6–3, 6–2 in the final. By winning her first French Open title, Sharapova completed the set of Grand Slam titles, having previously won Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. This accomplishment showcased her versatility and prowess on different surfaces, enhancing her status in the tennis world. It also returned her to the World No. 1 ranking.

On June 7, 2014, Maria Sharapova claimed her second French Open title by defeating Simona Halep in a thrilling three-set match, 6–4, 6–7(5), 6–4. The victory was a testament to her resilience and clay-court prowess. It marked her fifth and final Grand Slam title, further cementing her legacy in tennis. Sharapova showcased her mental strength and competitive drive, particularly during the tense moments of the match. This win reinforced her status as a formidable force on the tour.

In a shocking announcement on March 7, 2016, Maria Sharapova revealed that she had failed a drug test for the banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open. Sharapova stated that she had been using meldonium for health issues for a decade but was unaware that it had been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) at the start of 2016. The revelation led to a significant media storm and resulted in a provisional ban from the International Tennis Federation (ITF), marking the start of one of the most challenging periods of her career.

April 26, 2017, marked the return of Maria Sharapova to professional tennis after serving a 15-month suspension for a doping violation. Sharapova made her comeback at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. Her return was one of the most anticipated in sports, amidst mixed reactions from fans and fellow players. Some supported her return, while others criticized the wildcard entries she received. Nevertheless, Sharapova expressed determination to regain her form and status in the game, competing with her trademark intensity and passion.

In February 2019, Maria Sharapova underwent a shoulder surgery to address ongoing issues that had plagued her career. On February 26, 2019, she announced the surgery on social media, sharing her determination to recover and return to the tennis court. This was not her first shoulder surgery, as she had previously faced similar challenges earlier in her career. The surgery was part of Sharapova's continual battle with injuries as she aimed to return to competitive form. Unfortunately, this marked one of the final phases of her professional career.

On February 26, 2020, Maria Sharapova announced her retirement from professional tennis through essays published in Vanity Fair and Vogue. In her announcement, she reflected on her illustrious career and the physical challenges that had led to her decision. Over her career, Sharapova won five Grand Slam titles and became one of the most marketable athletes in the world. Her retirement marked the end of an era in women's tennis, and she left the sport as one of its most famous and influential figures.