It is a well publicized fact that Maria Sharapova’s off court success is unparalleled in the tennis world. Sharapova is the highest paid female sports athlete in the World, and brand Sharapova continues to thrive with every passing minute. Moreover, her on-court success is also unquestionable. The Russian has won all of the four majors, and has been World No.1 for several weeks. Sharapova’s success though, is an amalgamation of both good looks and her on-court abilities. Sharapova, both as an athlete and a businesswoman is a powerful force of positive energy, drive, strength, and intelligence. She is a role model for any young aspiring tennis player or any athlete for that matter. It is a testament to her that, no fan/spectator can ever really dislike her. There are several qualities about this Russian that make her so marketable. If one talks about her on-court prowess or style, then what endears her to the audience is her undying heart and passion for the game. Her grit and her spirit is second to none. There have been several matches which were losing causes, but that didn’t stop Sharapova from giving it more than hundred percent. It is these characters that make her a pleasure to watch on court.On the flipside, Sharapova is a remarkable woman who has an enviable personality. A witty girl, the Russian has lots of fun as she sits for her post match interviews. On top of it all, her humility is also admirable. Sharapova has often said, that it is tennis that is her first and foremost love, while her off-court activities always take the back seat when she is in the middle of the season. That is something that cannot be said of a few women most notably Anna Kornikova, who were in the game more to get out of it.And to add to it all, Sharapova has the looks and the talent of being a model and a fine actress (at least from her tv commercials). Moreover having an agent – Max Eisenbud who has known her since she was 12, makes her all the more successful off the court.
Sharapova made $5.1 million in prize money between July 2011 and July 2012, and another $22 million from sponsors, exhibitions and appearance fees. Her endorsement partners include: Evian, Head, Samsung and Tag Heuer, but her biggest paycheque comes courtesy of Nike.