http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a76/mariashara/MartinaNavratilova.jpg” width=230 align=right> Maria Sharapova was playing a Exibition Tennis Tournament in Moscow, Russia. Tennis Legend Martina Navratilova was present at the tournament and noticed the talent in 5 years old Maria Sharapova. Ultimately Martina Navratilova recommended Maria Sharapova to Nick Bollettieri’s Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, USA. Following Martina Navratilova’s advice, Maria and her father Yuri Sharapova moved to Miami, USA and joined Nick Bollettieri’s Academy in 1992. The young Maria Sharapova was separated from her mother, because of the US visa restrictions and her fathers financial constrains. To realize the dream to become a tennis star young Maria Sharapova sacrificed a http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a76/mariashara/mariasharapova_picture006.jpg” width=358 align=left>lot, being being away from home is just one of that. At the age of 14 she turned pro and never looked bake from then on. She was the finalist in Junior Australian Open 2002. The same year she was started listed in WTA ranking at 532 and finished the year at 186th rank. Maria Sharapovas first grand slam appearance was in 2003 Australian Open. Same year she qualified for the French open. In 2003 she won two WTA titles in Japan and Quebec. End of the year she was at 32nd rank in WTA. What Martina Navratilova predicted in 1992 become true in the year 2004. Maria Sharapova showed the world her potential. Serena Williams became a victim of the Russian beauty Maria Sharapova. In the finals of Wimbledon 2004, Maria Sharapova snatched the championship with a straight set win over Serena Williams, 6-1, 6-4. And today she is No2 in the WTA ranking only next to Devonport.