Isn't she Russian?

But she did play an excellent tournament, and really trounced Serena.

Yeah, but she moved to Miami at age 7... Her and her pops turned up with $500 in pocket, all their belongings in a suitcase and no knowledge of the language. Worked their butts off for today's win. Good on them!

Didn't hear that story.

Makes the win even better.

Hm... really? The commentators this morning were saying how she was endorsed by Martina after seeing her play in Russia. She also got a full scholorship to the Bollitari (sp?) academy. I'm not saying that she didn't work hard, but she did have some help here...

Still... she's one strong player.

********?

AFAIK, yep, she was spotted by Martina in a Russian academy and was recommended to go to the Bolletieri Academy - but, according to my daily rag, not on a scholarship; her pops paid her way through it.

Still. Way to go Maria.

yeah yeah yeah, just post some pics now

There ya go, you perv.

I'm happy for her that she doesn't seem to be another Anna Kournikova, i.e. stereotypical blonde. I saw an interview with her on the BBC site and she seems to be not to be full of herself, but a normal kid. Good show and damn well done.

Oh, and she does look a bit better than your average female tennis player as well

It was a great win for Maria. I'm amazed to see someone actually beat a Williams sister in the final

Good, I wasn't the only one.

Child porn!

I'm just glad the Williams sisters didn't win again, zombie-jesus I hate them.

A hot Russian tennis player who can actually play?

About time.

I'd Sharapova all right!

I missing the "I'd hit it" posts ?

Where are they ?

-t

this is how urban legends start.

Nah.

this is:

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/merc.../9076239.htm?1c

At that glorious moment, Sharapova wanted to be in the embrace of her father, Yuri, the man who cradled her as an infant in Siberia and held her hand as they landed at Miami International Airport a decade ago with $700 and a highly improbable dream. When the dream came true, earlier than expected, the 17-year-old fell to her knees and then ran up into the stands, in search of those familiar arms. Her father kissed her repeatedly and squeezed her so hard it's a wonder her willowy frame didn't snap in two.

and this:

http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/m...rts/9074273.htm

Maria and Uri left Russia with just $700, and neither of them spoke English. For a long time, times were hard. Maria's mother wasn't immediately able to get a visa and didn't see Maria or Uri for two years. She wasn't able to join them in America for four years.

see it was 700 dollars not 500.

I thought it was code for 'the site' so the thread wouldn't get locked.

Я поразил бы это.

I thought it was "********" as well.