Last updated on: December 18, 2024

Yelena Sharapova is Maria Sharapova’s mother, a renowned tennis player around the world. When Maria had gained popularity by being the great tennis player, good victor, and achiever, Yelena contributed a lot to her making that history. She gave importance to every step that had an influence on Maria’s accomplishments. Here’s more about Yelena Sharapova and how she impacted Maria’s life and career.

Quick Facts About Yelena Sharapova

Early Life and Background

Yelena Sharapova was born in Gomel, Belarus. She spent her very childhood in a country beset by various difficulties. In 1986, following the Chornobyl disaster, it was decided to move their families to Russia for safety concerns. This marked a considerable shift in their lives. Over time, Yelena met Yuri Sharapov, who eventually became her husband. Together, Yuri Sharapov and Maria, their only child from that marriage, had Yelena.

Yelena was a banker. She was strong and focused, with a keen determination. Despite her rigorous professional life, she loved her family dearly. Her life was difficult, but she never lost her optimism.

The Big Move to the United States

When Maria was just five years old, she faced a big change. Her parents decided to send her to the United States so she could train as a tennis player. Yelena had to stay behind in Russia due to visa issues, while Yuri and Maria moved to Florida. This separation was very difficult for Yelena. For two years, she and Maria were far apart.

Although they were separated by distance, Yelena and Maria continued to communicate via letters. The letters written to Maria were full of love and encouragement. The support from a distance of Yelena proved to be a big motivating factor that kept Maria pushing for her dream of becoming a professional tennis player.

Keeping Maria’s Dreams Alive

Even though Yelena was not in the U.S. with Maria, she always watched her progress and ensured that Maria had all she needed for her training. She believed in her daughter’s dreams and worked hard to make them come true. She supported her financially and emotionally. Maria knew her mother was always there for her, no matter where she was.

Very important for Maria to succeed was Yelena’s leadership and positive attitude. She taught Maria to work hard and never give up. Maria has spoken of many interviews about the much learning she had from her mother’s wisdom and strength.

Life After Tennis Success

Over the years, Yelena has observed her daughter rise to great heights in the world of tennis. Maria won three Grand Slam titles by the time she was merely 19 years old. It was the outcome of years of hard work and practice and support from both sides of her parents. However, though Yuri Sharapov played a very prominent role in Maria’s training process, Yelena has always been there in silence to guide her daughter into becoming a champion.

As Maria’s career flourished, Yelena stayed by her side, showering her with love and support. When Maria had a bad day or was hurt, Yelena was always there to lift her up.

READ ALSO: Maria Sharapova Net worth, Age, Boyfriend, Family, Facts & More

Family Life

Sharapova has always been in good relationship with her mother. While Yelena had not participated in her daughter’s tennis training, Yelena is deep in Maria’s outside tennis life. Yelena took care of Maria Sharapova’s career balanced relationship and family life. Yelena taught her never to be grounded, not by the amount of achievement of success.

Recently, Maria married Alexander Gilkes and gave birth to their son, Theodore Gilkes, in 2022. Yelena is now a grandmother and still supports her family. Even though she likes spending time with her daughter and grandson, Yelena prefers staying away from the public eye.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com