The 23-year-old Russian tennis sensation Maria Sharapova added another achievement to her list when the sizzling beauty received the Humanitarian of the Year award for her charity work regarding the betterment of the under-privileged children.
Sharapova made her presence felt in the most gracious ways possible and shone bright in her part as the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador. In a latest addition, the 23-year-old Russian was voted by fans online as the "Humanitarian of the Year 2010.”
Maria, whose efforts to spread awareness regarding the rehabilitation of Chernobyl nuclear disaster-affected regions raised a huge amount in charity, came in addition to the WTA star's US$ 250,000 that the right-hander donated earlier this season during the month of June.
Her family was forced to fly away from the nuclear affected area in Chernobyl prior to her birth back in 1986 with concerns to the radiation and its consequences on the nearby regions.
"It has always been my dream to contribute to the recovery of a region where I have a personal connection. Giving young people the tools they need to reach for their dreams is a good way to overcome the Chernobyl legacy. Helping people help themselves is at the heart of UNDP's mission,” reflected the 1.88-meter tall Sharapova who won her first Grand Slam title at seventeen after upsetting the world number one Serena Williams in the final at Wimbledon.
The other participants for the prestigious award were Vera Zvonareva of Russia, Liezel Huber, Bethanie Mattek Sands, Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic, Li Na and Jelena Jankovic. All these WTA stars contributed in their own particular way for a great variety of causes including raising funds for education, research, non-violence in schools, earthquake relief as well as Hurricane Katrina relief.
The Florida resident, who is currently enjoying number eighteen position in the WTA rankings, made her debut back in 2001. She has so far captured twenty two singles titles, three WTA doubles’ titles and three Grand Slams in her career. Sharapova won the Australian Open in 2008, US Open in 2006 whereas she won Wimbledon in 2004.
The Women Tennis Association has ranked her number one player in the world on four different occasions so far. Sharapova achieved her top spot for the first time in 2005 during the month of August.
Former world number one started her 2010 campaign by playing at the year’s opening Grand Slam, the Australian Open in Melbourne. However, she was upset in the opening match at the hands of Maria Kirilenko in straight sets. The defeat meant that on the very first occasion since 2003, the right-hander Sharapova had lost her opening clash at a major event.
The Russian, however, immediately broke back by reaching the final of the Cellular South Cup and eventually winning the crown in the end. It was her 21st career singles trophy and first in 2010. Her other season highlights include title victory in the Internationaux de Strasbourg, finalist appearance at the AEGON Classic, Stanford and Western and Southern Financial Women’s Open.
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