From 2003, Sharapova played a full season and made a rapid
climb into the top 50 by the end of the year. She made her
debuts at both the Australian Open and the French Open, but
failed to win a match in either.
It was not until the grass season that she began to fulfill
her promise, beating a top-20 player for the first time and
reaching her first semifinal at the WTA level.
Then, as a wildcard at Wimbledon, she defeated 11th seed
Jelena Dokić to reach the fourth round, where she lost in
three sets to Svetlana Kuznetsova.
By the end of September, Sharapova had already captured her
first WTA title at a smaller event, the Japan Open Tennis
Championships, before winning her second in her final
tournament of the season, the Bell Challenge. To cap off her
first full season as a professional, she was awarded the WTA
Newcomer of the Year honor.
Maria Sharapova with Camilla Belle in Miami - Maria Sharapova Photoshoot
press image for big size
Biography
Maria Sharapova born April 19, 1987) is a Russian professional tennis player. As of February 25, 2013 she is ranked world no. 3.
The players who left for LIV would not be able to participate in the new company's equity plan, according to Jimmy Dunne, who also said a committee that includes current PGA Tour members would determine potential punishment for players who left.
Sources: Nuggets get package of picks from OKC
The Nuggets are two wins from their first NBA title but are still planning for the future after acquiring three draft picks in a trade with the Thunder, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Mets lose Alonso for 3-4 weeks due to ailing wrist
NL RBIs leader Pete Alonso has a bone bruise and sprain of his left wrist and is expected to be out 3-4 weeks.
Celtics' G. Williams undergoes left hand surgery
Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams -- who'll be a restricted free agent this summer -- had surgery on his left hand Friday that's expected to have him fully recovered for the start of NBA training camp in the fall, sources told ESPN.
Blue Jays DFA Bass before team's Pride Weekend
Blue Jays reliever Anthony Bass, who made headlines last week for sharing an anti-LGBTQIA+ post on social media, has been designated for assignment. The move comes before the start of the team's Pride Weekend.
49ers group strikes deal for full Leeds takeover
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has reached an agreement to sell his stake in the club to 49ers Enterprises, the second-tier English side said Friday.
Rodgers wraps 'fun' OTAs with perfect attendance
After attending every day of Jets OTAs, quarterback Aaron Rodgers referred to the start of his New York tenure as "about the most fun I've had in a while."
Chicharito suffers torn ACL; set to miss season
Mexican striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has suffered a a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, the LA Galaxy announced Friday.
The Aaron Boone Show? Manager turning run-ins with umps into an 'art form'
Think the Yankees' skipper gets ejected a lot? You bet he does. And not only do his players love it, some umpires even find it amusing.
Change is a constant in Istanbul but can Inter upset Man City?
Man City are very much favorites to win the Champions League but neutrals love an underdog.
What went wrong for Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open?
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz looked unstoppable -- until the unexpected got the best of him.
Who will win the French Open women's final?
No. 1-ranked Swiatek has cruised through this tournament and has history on her side, but Muchova has a Cinderella story for the ages. We break it down.
The complicated story of Sabalenka at the French Open
Sabalenka played some lights-out tennis, but that's not what was dominating the conversation around her.
Ranking the GOAT's fights: The top 5 matches in Amanda Nunes' storied career
The Lioness has established one of the greatest resumes in the history of the sport.
Rats off to ya! Why Panthers fans throw plastic rodents on the ice
It's a tradition that goes back to 1996 and the club's first run to the Stanley Cup Final. Here's how it all started.
Superteam? Bad for softball? Call Oklahoma what you want but OU's dynasty isn't stopping any time soon
They don't care about your fatigue or being "bad for the game of softball." OU is a dynasty that plans to last.
OU softball joins list of NCAA title three-peaters
Sooners softball joins Stanford men's gymnastics as the only NCAA Division I programs with an active three-peat.
Why the Big Ten ditched divisions and protected 11 games to make room for USC and UCLA
With USC and UCLA joining the conference in 2024, the Big Ten is changing things up and we're here to clear up some lingering questions.
UFC champ Brandon Moreno to appear at major lucha libre event in Tijuana
Moreno will take his talents to Tijuana for a major lucha libre event the week after his title fight against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290.
'Do I still got it?': What has happened to Teofimo Lopez?
Teofimo Lopez gets another title opportunity on Saturday night, but his battle outside of the ring remains his biggest fight.
Who wins after Messi's MLS move, and let's talk about Saudi Arabia's multibillion-dollar plan
What Messi's move to Miami means for MLS, and taking a closer look at Saudi Arabia's grand plans to sign the world's top players.
Transfer Talk: USMNT's Pulisic keen on AC Milan move from Chelsea
Chelsea and USMNT winger Christian Pulisic is interested in a move to AC Milan. Transfer Talk has the latest.
Every top club wants a No. 9 striker, but who are the best options?
As the transfer window edges closer, most top clubs are looking to sign a new No. 9 striker.
MLB Power Rankings: An AL showdown for the No. 1 spot
There's been a clear No. 1 for the majority of the season -- but there might be a new face vying for the title of best team in baseball.
Who is Spider-Canada from the new 'Spider-Verse' movie?
Only one of the many Spider-people in the new "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" movie is carrying a hockey stick and wearing a Canadian national team sweater. Here's how the character came to be.
Le Mans' revival is a once-in-a-generation transformation
The 24 Hours of Le Mans' marquee Hypercar class has more than tripled in size since 2022, and the buzz in the grandstands has grown commensurately.
Everything we know about the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LIV Golf agreement
Although there are still many details to be worked out, here's what we know and don't know about the new partnership between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
Aliyah Boston making quick transition to the WNBA game
The latest fantasy news, notes and stats you need to know for each of the 12 WNBA teams.
Dana Evans among most overlooked options
Our experts explain which players around the WNBA are the most overlooked options.
Fantasy football X factors: Eight players who could be difference-makers in 2023
Matt Bowen lists players with questions surrounding them, but also the potential to be fantasy difference-makers to varying degrees.
Rankings: Eric Moody's top 200 for keeper leagues
Rankings with a three-year perspective in mind, which is a shorter window than in dynasty formats.
Weekend preview: Altitude meets aptitude for San Diego hitters
Our fantasy baseball experts take a quick peek ahead to the upcoming weekend of action and highlight what they're looking forward to watching.
press image for big size
