© Getty Images Sport – Kristian Downling
Maria Sharapova is showing some major respect and appreciation for her father as the Russian tennis legend says she believed Yuri Sharapov and followed the path that he “paved” for her.
Sharapova, who was born in 1987, started playing at a young age and her father Yuri was there from Day 1. In 1993, Sharapova was noticed by Martina Navratilova, who also had Eastern European roots. When former 18-time Grand Slam champion Navratilova saw Sharapova, she advised her father to move the family to the United States because that would give Maria a better chance at further developing and ultimately becoming a tennis pro.
The following year, Sharapova moved to the United States and soon she started training at the Nick Bollettieri Academy. In the next couple of years, Sharapova continued to develop and ultimately turned pro at just the age of 14 in 2001.
Three years later, Sharapova famously became a Grand Slam champion at 2004 Wimbledon after beating Serena Williams in the final. In 2005, Sharapova also became the world No. 1 for the first time in her career at the age of 18.
Recounting her early days and first steps, Sharapova highlighted she was too young to have major dreams but underlined that she always trusted her…
