Behind every success story, there is an involvement of someone special. Ask Maria Sharapova, who left everything behind in her native country and moved to the United States during her childhood to pursue tennis ambitions. Ever since taking up the sport, the Russian tennis beauty had the full support of her parents. Recently, she highlighted her mother’s big contribution to her life while talking about her father’s involvement in her tennis career.

Sharapova’s father moved to the United States with her daughter to help her set up a career there. On the other hand, Sharapova’s mother had to stay back in their native country owing to visa issues. However, she still had a big contribution to make to the tennis legend’s life.

Maria Sharapova makes an emotional revelation about her mother

Earlier this week, a new episode of the famous podcast, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard dropped by. It featured the former World Number 1, Maria Sharapova, who reflected on her tennis career and business ventures, among other subjects. Further, she also went on to reveal her parents’ contribution to her career and life.

Talking about this, she said, “Being an only child and constantly being around her and seeing how supportive they were in all aspects of my life, we grew an incredible bond. I know also on interest levels. My father was very influential in sports and he pushed me to a certain extent and he was tough but very fair.”

Further, she went on to highlight her mother’s contribution, saying, “And my mother just came from a point of education and culture and any chance she got, even when she was in Florida, she would take me to the Belle there. It may not have been the best time but she exposed me to different things in life and not just hitting the tennis balls. That was one of her greatest gifts. She didn’t care if I was Number 1 or 300 in the world, she wanted me to be curious and stay humble.”

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Meanwhile, Sharapova’s father was very enthusiastic about seeing her daughter become one of the sport’s greatest stars. His behavior with other players often came under scrutiny.

When a doubles legend slammed Sharapova’s father

The 2004 Fed Cup was a special one for Russia and Sharapova as they went on to win their maiden title there. Larisa Neiland, a former doubles Number 1, was the coach of the team and slammed Sharapova’s father for his behavior and attitude.

Read More: Tennis Mom Maria Sharapova Turns Misty-Eyed As She Posts ‘Favorite’ Father-Son Moment During Serene Summer Time in Greece

She said, “Maria’s main problem is her father and I just don’t see how he would co-exist with other girls’ parents and team officials.” Nonetheless, Sharapova’s father wouldn’t regret this as his daughter went on to become one of the legends of the game.

It is heartwarming to see how deeply Sharapova’s parents were invested in making their daughter pursue her tennis ambitions. Indeed, the Russian tennis beauty is lucky to have parents like them.

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