Maria is featured in the ITF's official Olympic Book 'Journey to Beijing - Tennis celebrates the Olympics'. Maria and over 40 of the world's leading tennis players took part in the ITF project to help promote the 2008 Beijing Olympic Tennis Event.

A SCOTS designer who created tennis star Maria Sharapova's outfit for Wimbledon has hit back at critics.
Colleen Sandieson is a senior designer for sports giants Nike and her clothes have amazed the crowds at the tournament this week.

She fashioned Sharapova's tuxedo-style jacket and sheer top, as well as her controversial shorts.
But when Sharapova crashed out of Wimbledon on Thursday, her opponent revealed her dislike of her outfit had spurred her to victory.

The No3 seed was defeated by fellow Russian Alla Kudryavtseva - whose world ranking is No154. Kudryavtseva said: "It's very pleasant to beat Maria. I don't like her outfit. Can I put it this way? It was one of my motivations to beat her."

Have you got any explanation for what went on out there today?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
I guess it wasn't my day. She just did everything better than I did. You know, she played much better. She hit the ball harder. She, uhm, you know, served and returned better.
On grass, you know those are two important elements. You know, once you don't have a lot on the ball then your opponent can take advantage of that. Obviously she had nothing to lose. She went for her shots. I was just pretty tentative.

Is there any part of your game today you were happy with?

MARIA SHARAPOVA:
I can't be really happy about anything today.

Maria Sharapova suffered a humiliating second round exit at Wimbledon on Thursday as the former champion was beaten 6-2, 6-4 by fellow Russian and world number 154 Alla Kudryavtseva.

Sharapova, the third seed, tumbled out of the tournament she won in 2004 after a lacklustre display on Court One.

The pin-up of the women's game had reached at least the fourth round on all five of her previous visits to the All England Club, but she could have no complaints after being over-powered by her compatriot, who now plays China's Peng Shuai.

A photo of Maria Sharapova graced the cover of the French Open's official daily program Tuesday, which might be considered false advertising.
That's because the No. 1-ranked woman didn't play a single point, forced by the wet weather to wait instead until at least Day 4 of the tournament to begin her quest to complete a career Grand Slam.