Maria Sharapova, pronounced: sha-ra-POH-vuh. She's Russian, she's blonde and she's beautiful. Coached by her father and Robert Lansdorp... Started hitting tennis balls at age four; at six, participated in exhibition in Moscow that featured Martina Navratilova; began training at Nick Bollettieri’s Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, USA, at age nine (which required a two-year separation from mother due to visa restrictions and finances)...

Maria Sharapova off-court interests include fashion, singing, jazz dancing and movies (favorite is Pearl Harbor)...

In second year of high school and studies via an Internet school...Enjoys reading books in the Sherlock Holmes and Pippi Longstocking series...Favors Russian music and food, Russian food (except for Italian bread)...Says favorite dessert is “anything”...Signed with IMG Models in November 2003.

Recently she has been nominated for Laureus World Newcomer of the Year Award for outstanding achievements in sport from previous 12 months.

MARIA SHARAPOVA: 'I like to look good on court, but I'm there for business, to . . . win, not to look sexy.'