Sharapova couldn't return to competition until May of 2009, but when she did, she surprised most observers by making the quarterfinals at Roland Garros--on her least favorite surface. It looked as if Maria was remarkably well recovered from her long injury absence, but early losses at Wimbledon and the US Open proved she wasn't. Her only title in 2009 came in late September in Tokyo, and she finished 2009 ranked number 14.Basic Facts
Date of Birth: 4/19/87
Nation: Russia
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 130
Turned Pro: 2001
Best Singles Grand Slams: Won Wimbledon in 2004, US Open in 2006, and Australian Open in 2008.
Plays: Right-handed, with two-handed backhand.
Basic Style: Power Baseliner.
Greatest Strengths: Excellent power, depth, and angles on groundstrokes. Fearlessly aggressive, with strong defensive skills as well. Powerful first and second serve. Good speed for her height.
Room for Improvement: No major weaknesses.
