July 6, 2004
The Ice Queen
The great American poet Oliver Wendell Holmes once observed that every profession is great that is greatly pursued.
Sharapova brings to court a desire that is arguably matched by none in the world of women's tennis. Ten years ago, at the age of seven, she and her father Yuri arrived in the United States with only 700 dollars.
"I didn't see my mother [Yelena] for two years because of visa problems and I missed her dreadfully. My father had to work so I didn't see much of him either. I was very lonely but I never cried. When you come from nothing and have nothing, it makes you very hungry and determined to succeed."
Sharapova remembers those sacrifices and there is almost nothing that can distract her from her goal: to be the best tennis player in the world.
Back | Next
Sports | Gallery
