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.
Pre-Wimbledon Player Party - 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.
Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. clubbed his 40th homer of the season Friday night against the Nationals, becoming the fifth member of MLB's exclusive 40-40 club.
Sources: Utah QB Rising won't start vs. UCLA
Utah star quarterback Cam Rising will not start against No. 22 UCLA as he continues his recovery from an ACL tear in the Rose Bowl, sources told ESPN.
Korda, Corpuz help U.S. keep Solheim Cup lead
Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz produced a 5-and-3 victory over England's Georgia Hall and France's Celine Boutier to help the U.S. maintain a 7-5 lead over the Europeans at the Solheim Cup.
Judge 1st Yank to belt 3 HRs twice in one season
Aaron Judge became the first Yankees player to hit three home runs in a game twice in one season when he connected in the seventh inning against the Diamondbacks.
Source: FSU down Scott Jr., Dent vs. Clemson
No. 4 Florida State is down two key starters at Clemson on Saturday, as left tackle Robert Scott Jr. and safety Akeem Dent will both miss the game with injury, a source told ESPN.
Unlucky 7: Slew of Ravens starters out vs. Colts
Odell Beckham Jr. is one of seven Ravens starters ruled out for Sunday's game against the Colts.
Rodgers gave Love props for Bears 'ownership'
Aaron Rodgers sent Packers QB Jordan Love a text after he beat the Bears in Week 1, congratulating him on "keeping the ownership in place."
Soldier Field thieves nab $100K in equipment
Chicago police are investigating the theft of $100,000 worth of maintenance equipment stolen from Soldier Field overnight Wednesday.
NFL Nation fantasy fallout: What to expect from Justin Fields, Gardner Minshew
Our NFL Nation reporters answer key questions following the week's games and what it all means heading into Week 3.
What to know for NFL Week 3: Score picks, bold predictions, fantasy tips, key stats for every game
Here is everything you need, including top storylines, X factors and more.
Win the weekend: NFL and college football betting tips
Want to win your fantasy matchup and at the sportsbook? Here's your one-stop shop for everything you need to help you make the most informed calls.
Best plays by top college football recruits: Elite wide receivers star again
Which star recruits shined on Friday night? We found top highlights from the best prospects in the 2024 class.
The story of two-sport star Charlie Ward's incredible Heisman season, 30 years later
It may have seemed like everything came easily for Charlie Ward during his amazing career at Florida State. But that certainly wasn't the case.
Red Bull boss in awe of 'mind-blowing' Verstappen lap
Max Verstappen's pole position lap was one of Formula One's best, Red Bull boss Christian Horner said.
Meet Jett Lawrence, 'the Justin Bieber of motocross'
With his pop star looks, crossover potential and an undefeated rookie season, Jett Lawrence is the superstar motocross has been waiting for.
After struggling at Atletico, Joao Felix is back to his best for Barcelona
Following a difficult four years at Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix has rediscovered his mojo with an electrifying start to his loan spell at Barcelona.
Man United dream XI under Solskjaer: Kane, Bellingham, more
Solskjaer says he wanted to sign number of players, so what would their XI look like now if he had?
LIVE Transfer Talk: USMNT's McKennie yet to earn new Juve deal
Juventus aren't convinced on renewing Weston McKennie's contract and need to see more of the USMNT midfielder. Transfer Talk is LIVE the latest.
Aces, Liberty remain favorites, but don't expect sweeps in the semifinals
The top four seeds face off in the semifinals. Can the Wings and Sun knock off the superteams?
The Pac-12's hot start, implications of Ohio State-Notre Dame and parity continues as the Allstate Playoff Predictor analyzes teams' chances to make the last four.
Repeat or revenge? Joyce wants 'redemption' against Zhang
Last chance? Joe Joyce needs a win and has made some changes for his rematch against Zhilei Zhang on Saturday.
'I have power, and I want to fight for better conditions': Novak Djokovic's players' association gains momentum
The PTPA was founded at the 2020 US Open with very little fanfare -- but plenty of controversy. Three years later, Djokovic views its importance to be as great as any other legacy he will leave in the sport.
Fantasy basketball rankings 2023-24: Head-to-head categories
Where to draft Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembanyama and the rest of your favorite stars in head-to-head category and rotisserie leagues.
press image for big size
