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- In 2003, Maria was named one of the "coolest girls" in America by YM magazine.
- Maria signed with IMG Models in November 2003.
- At 17 years and two months, Maria was the youngest Wimbledon finalist since Martina Hingis, who was 16 years and nine months when she won in 1997.
- Maria collected $1 million and a Porsche Cayenne for her season-ending victory in the 2004 WTA Championship. She donated the car to aid the victims of the Beslan school hostage tragedy.
- Maria’s second serve in the fifth game at Wimbledon was timed at 102mph.
- Maria earned her first endorsement deal at her Wimbledon title when her attempted to call her mom on her cel phone failed. She now has a contract with Motorola.
- According to Terra Lycos, the global Internet Group, Maria was number 11 on the list of most popular user searches for the week ending July 3, 2004. She fell directly behind Spider-Man 2.
- Maria boasts the most ear-shattering grunt in women’s tennis: 100 decibels. That drowns out Monica Seles (93.7 decibels), but falls short of a jet at take-off (125 decibels).
- Maria’s off-court interests include fashion, singing, jazz dancing and movies (her favorite is Pearl Harbor).
- Maria enjoys reading books in the Sherlock Holmes and Pippi Longstocking series.
- Maria was nominated for the 2004 Laureus World Newcomer of the Year Award (presented for outstanding achievements in sports).
- Maria’s coach, Robert Lansdorp knows, something molding champions. He has also coached Tracy Austin, Pete Sampras and Lindsay Davenport.
- Maria visits her grandparents and family in Sochi once or twice a year. She regularly sends some of her Nike apparel to two young cousins, both of whom are pursuing tennis.
- In Russia, Maria
is known as “our Masha,” a term of endearment.
Martina Hingis,
2003 NetPro
Monica Seles, 1999
Tennis