Russian Teen Maria Sharapova becomes Wimbledon Champion

News from the Moscow News (03/07/2004), photo from Tennis.Info
Teenager Maria Sharapova stunned champion Serena Williams 6-1 6-4 in the Wimbledon final on Saturday to become the first Russian to win a singles title at the championships. The 17-year-old also became only the second Russian woman to win a grand slam title, less than a month after Anastasia Myskina became the first at Roland Garros.

Maria Sharapova, photo from Tennis.Info

Sharapova giggled in disbelief at her achievement after her 6-1 6-4 thrashing of Serena Williams in the women’s final on Saturday, Reuters reported. “Serena actually I have to take this way from you for one year, I’m sorry,” said the gobsmacked 17-year-old, clutching the famous Venus Rosewater Dish on Centre Court.

I know there are going to be so many more moments when we’re going to play. ”I’m sure we’re going to be here another time and hopefully many more times in other grand slams, fighting for the trophy, so thank you for giving me a tough match but I’m sorry I had to win today.“

Sharapova, the first Russian to win Wimbledon, tried to call her mother in the United States on court but could not get through on the mobile phone her father Yuri threw down to her. ”It keeps switching off, I don’t know what’s wrong with it,“ she said. ”I was trying to phone my mum.“

She thanked her parents and paid special tribute to her father, who took her the United States when she was seven. ”I know how tough it
is to watch,“ she said. ”Playing is a lot easier, believe me. I owe him so much.“

Sharapova said she would definitely be celebrating despite not feeling 100 percent. ”I got a cold this morning so I hope I will feel better but I will definitely do something believe me,“ she said.

Serena was gracious in defeat despite seeing her dream of third successive title shattered. ”It wasn’t my day today but Maria played a really great match. Congratulations on your first grand slam,“ she said with a cheery smile.

Maria Sharapova's Biography:

Maria Sharapova was born in 1987 in Russia. She moved to USA when a famous tennis player gave an advice to her father that Maria should become a professional tennis player, when she was 6. Since then she trained vigorously winning a few local US championships and became a professional tennis player in 2001.

Relevant Links:

Young Russian women article on Way to Russia.