“Think of life as a zebra.”

TENNIS

Story by Lai Jun Wei. Photos by Leslie Tan. © Red Sports/soulbreath pictures

Fullerton Hotel, Singapore, December 29, 2007 – In a short 15-minute press conference, you realise that Maria Yuryevna Sharapova, aged 20, is a confident, realistic and practical person without any illusions about what life is, and that the millions she has in endorsements and prize money can disappear if she gets injured. “My parents are my inspiration. They know me very well and have taught me most of the things in my life. The wisest thing my father said to me is to be realistic. I remember him telling me that no matter how far I have succeeded, I am going to have bad days. Time will make me stronger. Think of life as a zebra. There are going to be white lines, followed by black lines. In tennis, there is just a thin line between winning and losing.”

Maria Sharapova at the press conference this afternoon at the Fullerton Hotel, Singapore. (Photo © Leslie Tan/Red Sports)

Her quickness on court is also matched with a quick wit. When a reporter from The New Paper introduced himself, she said, without waiting for the question, “How new is the paper?”, triggering widespread laughter throughout the media scrum. When the reporter replied the paper was actually 20 years old, Sharapova added, “You should have some confidence and change the name!”

When the 1.88m Russian first stepped into the room, all eyes were on her as the camera flashes started going off. In the first few moments of the Q & A session, the only sounds that could be heard were cameras clicking. Born in Nyagen, Russia, Sharapova has now won sixteen singles career titles and three doubles titles. She turned pro in 2001 and was world number one on August 22, 2005, an accomplishment which lasted 14 weeks.

“I would be in college studying for a degree, probably in interior design and fashion,” said Sharapova in response to a question on what she would do if she were not playing tennis. This practical-minded streak was again revealed when she talked about her many endorsements. Having received her first major deal after her 2003 Wimbledon win, she feels that it is an exciting process which help bring out the other side of her. “I learn a lot about business and economics when I sit down with the companies to talk about the endorsement deals. I learn a lot more from these meetings than I would from studying the subject.”

“Let me think about that one …” Sharapova showed maturity beyond her 20 years in the way she handled all the questions thrown at her. (Photo © Leslie Tan/Red Sports)

Spotted outside the conference room were two grinning teenagers, holding an autographed photo of Maria Sharapova in their hands. Cappi Lim, 16 and his brother Caleb, 15, both from St. Gabriel’s Secondary School had waited since 1 p.m. just to get a glance of the superstar and to get her autograph. “I admire her because of her calibre and because she’s hot!” said Cappi Lim. “She looks even better in person!” Ironically, the two footballers don’t even play tennis. As you would expect, both of them will be at the Singapore Indoor Stadium tomorrow night to watch Maria play Anna Chakvetadze.

Related posts:

“I was the worst in my group.”