Maria Sharapova’s Historic Grand Slam Achievement Was Downplayed Because of a ‘Banana’, Thanks to Her Father
Follow Us
Former tennis star Maria Sharapova is one of the most loved tennis players of all time. Even after her retirement, she continues to be a famous tennis personality. In her illustrious career, she has won all four major titles. Also, she topped the WTA rankings for a combined 21 weeks. The 35-year-old ended her career in 2020.
Although the 35-year-old had an accomplished tennis career, she had her fair share of controversies too. One such incident happened back in the 2006 US Open.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The banana controversy
In the 2006 US Open, Maria Sharapova was in brilliant form. The former world number one played brilliantly to win her second Grand Slam title. However, the Russian tennis star was clearly upset about a popular conspiracy theory built around an innocent gesture from her father.
Watch this story: Top Five Best Serena Williams Outfits of All Time
Trending
Roger Federer Breaks Partnership With Billion Dollar Worth Italian Brand Days After Coco Gauff’s Stunning Commercial Appearance
April 12, 2024 07:23 PM EDT
What Does Danielle Collins’ Boyfriend Do? Everything to Know about Her Lowkey Dating History
February 15, 2024 11:39 AM EST
Tennis News: Rafael Nadal Confirms Retirement ; Doping-Banned Mikael Ymer Announces Comeback; Stefanos Tsitsipas Dubbed as Hypocrite
April 15, 2024 06:22 PM EDT
Barcelona Open 2024: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Facundo Diaz Acosta; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 19, 2024 11:26 AM EDT
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Girlfriend Paula Badosa Provides Saddening Health Update After Being Forced To Retire Against Aryna Sabalenka
April 19, 2024 03:58 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Notably, Sharapova’s father Yuri was spotted at least twice, holding a banana. While Sharapova insisted that her father only wanted to remind her to eat during the final, people came up with a conspiracy theory. They accused the Russian of using a banana as a code for illegal coaching.
Reacting to the accusation, the 35-year-old responded with strong words saying she just won a Grand Slam and all they ask her was about bananas.
View this post on Instagram
She said, “I’ve just won a Grand Slam. The last thing I’m going to want to talk about is a banana, alright? Can you tell me, if someone tells me to eat a banana, do you think that’s the reason why I’m going to win a match? This is great advice, — we should tell all the junior players to have a banana and they’re all going to win. Great.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Although it sounds silly as an argument, the allegation definitely was annoying for the Russian tennis star.
Maria Sharapova announces pregnancy
The five-time grand slam champion had a beautiful surprise for her fans on her 35th birthday. Earlier this year, in April, she announced that she is expecting the birth of her first child. Sharing a picture of herself, showing off her baby bump, she wrote,
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Precious beginnings!!! Eating birthday cake for two has always been my specialty.”
We wish Sharapova all the best for a new journey.
Edited by:
Deepakshi Chaudhary